The Driver’s Seat

Driver’s education is a requirement in individuals age 16 and above in the state of Kansas to earn a driver’s license. Children the age of 14 may be eligible to receive their learner’s permit if given proper instruction. The most rudimentary definition of driver’s education is knowing how to safely maneuver a 3000 pound machine without injuring oneself or others. The United States’ drivers’ education system has often been approached as memorizing material and regurgitating it for a test, but the amount of information and basic safety rules kept in mind are often overlooked. More often than not, a person approaching a four-way stop may feel their stomach drop if they overanalyze the queue of cars before them or feeling an anxiety while quickly approaching a yellow light, not knowing if they are putting themselves or others in danger. These uncertainties can bring more anxiety to the thought of operating an automobile, which can directly lead to more accidents and mortalities.

According to data¹ concerning children in car accidents, approximately 2000 children die each year. Managing a child in a car may lead to less accidents, and it starts with the appropriate car seat. Car seats protect children in cars by cradling the head, neck, and torso in case of a collision² ­, and have different sizes and types based on a child’s age. Different safety requirements will also indicate whether a car seat is acceptable to use or not, and if it is best for the make and model of the car. Air bags could seem like a logical choice for a child to be protected but they do more harm than good. They were invented ideally for older teens and adults, and could harm a small child, let alone an infant. Protecting children in the car in case of an accident can be lifesaving and the responsibility of another life is crucial to learning driving safety.

Another way we can prevent unnecessary car-related fatalities is by putting phones on silent, in a place in the car that is not visible and encouraging others to do the same. Many advertisements³ have tried to deter cellphone users from driving recklessly or dangerously. Consequences like fines and even traffic infraction on a record can be implemented onto someone operating their vehicle unsafely. Any distraction that affects the cognitive ability to falter can be hazardous to the driver and any passengers along for the ride. According to Trusted Choice⁴, “Distracted driving is the fifth most common cause of auto accidents in Kansas,” which envelops all types of distractions into one set of data. As a younger adult, I have seen many of my peers drive recklessly: putting hot sauce on their burrito with their hands and driving with their knees as one example. Not only did this scare me, I wondered how they had even passed their driver’s test in the first place. Driver’s education has been taken as a game of memory the last few decades, rather than a licensure program meant to protect the general public.

General consequences of driving without regard for the people in the immediate area often have negative outcomes, injuries, and even deaths. Driving attentively and defensively are the best ways to avoid havoc and distress. Paying attention to the cars driving in your peripherals, behind, and in front of you is important, especially if someone is to slam on their brakes or swerve out of the road for a cat. Remaining calm while driving is key to driving defensively, as aggressive drivers tend to get into more accidents and cause more damage⁵. Poor planning and displaced anger can cause road rage, which in turn makes someone less thoughtful of their driving habits. To combat this, leaving about 15 minutes earlier than normal, especially in the mornings, can be incredibly helpful in providing a calm environment to drive in. Preventing stress and anxiety while operating a car is crucial to get from one destination to another safely.

Driver’s education in the United States often does not show the realities of using a car as transportation. Depending on make and model of the vehicle, some cars are more susceptible to accidents than others, such as SUVs rolling or tipping over under unfortunate circumstances. Improper lane changing, inappropriate usage of blinker lights, or diving at a speed that is either too slow or fast for a specific area can cause disruptions as well. Tailgating and not using overhead lights can also interfere with the well-being of the driver and its most precious cargo. The best way to prevent an accident is to spread awareness and accurate information in regard to public and individual driving safety.

1. Wikipedia Contributors. “Motor Vehicle Fatality Rate in U.S. By Year.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Mar. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_vehicle_fatality_rate_in_U.S._by_year.

2. “Car Seat Safety (for Parents) – KidsHealth.” Kidshealth.org, 2018, kidshealth.org/en/parents/auto-baby-toddler.html.

3. “Stop Texts Stop Wrecks.” Stoptextsstopwrecks.org, StopTextsStopWrecks.org.

4. “Your Guide to Kansas’ Distracted Driving Laws.” TrustedChoice.com, www.trustedchoice.com/distracted-driving/kansas-laws/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2022.

5. INDOT. “Safe Driving Tips.” INDOT, 15 July 2021, www.in.gov/indot/safety/safe-driving-tips/.