Safe Driving: Education is Key

In the United States, driving has rapidly developed into what is undeniably the most dominant form of transportation. With the rise of driving, however, has also come a rose in fatalities. The CDC indicated that “accidents” is the leading cause of death among young people, making up 41% of all deaths among the ages of people 15-24 years old. The majority of these accidents are car accidents.

The rate of death due to car accidents is extreme overall, but it is much more overwhelming in young people for a multitude of causes. Younger people are less likely to have health problems, are more likely to engage in risky behavior such as driving under the influence, and are only learning to drive for the first time. Driver education is the key to preventing these unnecessary and tragic deaths.

Among young drivers, a lack of education is one of the primary culprits behind deaths due to driving. Particularly in rural areas that lack major road components such as interstates, roundabouts, and four-way stops, the lack of knowledge can cause confusion and accidents that are completely preventable. Many teenagers and young adults also are unaware of how dangerous driving can really be, and are also unaware of how to handle many different instances that can cause an accident—such as brake failure, hydroplaning, and icy road conditions.

Raising awareness of the issue is the first step in prevention. The statistics behind fatal accidents are shocking, and yet, the group that is most impacted by them is the group that is least aware of them. Driver’s education courses are currently only required in 32 states, and for some of these states, the requirement only stands for those between the ages of 14 and 18. Requiring driver’s education courses in every state for every age prior to taking the exams to obtain a driver’s license would make great strides in educating people about the risks, statistics, and necessary knowledge about driving that would prevent many accidents. In my home state of Kentucky, it is required that you attend a four-hour driver’s education class before obtaining your unrestricted license. While the class was very helpful and contained useful knowledge, much of it came too late—as in Kentucky, you are able to obtain your Intermediate license prior to sitting for this class. This means that by the time most teens take this class, they have already been driving independently for months, and have typically already been in a minor accident. While these classes are crucial in preventing driving accidents, they are most effective before an individual begins driving.

Practical teaching is also extremely effective in preventing risky driving. While the statistics are sobering, it is an entirely different experience for teenagers to see and feel the effects themselves. Products such as goggles exist to provide the experience of seeing while intoxicated, and simulated accidents as part of school programs are slowly becoming more popular as a teaching method. These experiences give a firsthand experience into what dangerous driving can cause, and can cause young people to consider these things before making the choice to drive dangerously.

As someone who has been in multiple minor accidents and other near-major accidents due to irresponsible driving, educating drivers on the impacts of their actions is very important to me. From driving over the speed limit to merging and changing lanes improperly, everyday actions drivers often consider to be “no big deal” can actually do a great deal of damage.

I myself have a responsibility to be a safe and responsible driver, and to make a positive impact on the safety of the driving of those around me. I have and will continue to take steps such as having an experienced driver with me when encountering new road components (as someone in a very rural area, my city has no highway, roundabout, or four-way stops). I have also began utilizing the Bluetooth connection for my phone, so I can utilize voice commands when necessary and use GPS hands-free to navigate unfamiliar roads safely. I also am beginning to leave earlier so I can drive slower and more safely, while still reaching my destination at my desired time. I am also trying to teach and influence my family and peers to drive safely. When I am driving, I will not leave until all passengers have their seatbelts buckled. When I am a passenger, I always offer to work the air conditioning, radios, and GPS systems so the driver can focus on the road, and I do the same with phones. I try to model safe driving to my younger siblings, and stress the importance of educated and safe driving.

Educated driving is safe driving, and the key to preventing accidents. Taking steps to teach young drivers about the risks and responsibilities of driving is undeniably the most important part of getting a license—and it starts before they ever get behind the wheel.