Why Driver Education Matters

In the US alone, more than 46,000 people die every year as a result of road crashes (ASIRT, 2022). The importance of driver education is invaluable and often correlates to lower incidences of collisions. When drivers are adequately trained, accidents are less likely to occur. However, drivers have yet to realize the enormous responsibility that the individual in the driver’s seat holds. Life can change in a matter of seconds when at the wheel. Driver’s education is crucial not only for the person sitting in the driver’s seat but also for passengers and other individuals in the surrounding area. Through driver’s education, bad driving habits can be erased, increasing awareness of how to respond appropriately to situations such as bad weather conditions, heavy traffic, mechanical vehicle issues, and other irresponsible drivers. In addition, driver education can prevent the potential for bad driving practices, such as using mobile devices while driving, from developing. Encouraging those to participate in driver education can ultimately reduce the number of fatalities, increasing the number of responsible drivers out on the road.

Many crucial steps should be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. First and foremost, drivers should always get the necessary and proper education to ensure they become safe drivers. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many states decided to waive the required driving road test, so many new drivers received their licenses without any prior verification or proof of efficient driving abilities. Teen drivers could enter the DMV with just essential documentation. This put many new drivers out on the road who were probably unprepared to drive without qualified supervision. In addition, drivers should insist that all passengers buckle their seatbelts. According to the Motor Vehicle Safety division of the CDC, this lessens the risk of death by 45% and the risk of injury by 50% (CDC, 2011). Drivers should never get behind the wheel or in the passenger seat when someone is impaired by alcohol or other drugs. This highly compromises an individual’s capacity to respond quickly to external factors, inhibiting their ability to drive safely. Even prescribed medication can be a risk. Drivers should always drive at a speed that is comfortable and suitable for them. Always monitor the surrounding conditions as a determinant of your driving speed rather than the road signs because conditions vary constantly. Lastly, don’t ever misinterpret your ability to multitask. Sending a text message or answering a phone call is not nearly as important as your life. If you feel the urgency to respond, pull over and bring your car to a complete stop before proceeding. Ultimately, never assume you’re invincible to anything regarding driving. Driving requires keen attention, and the lack of a safety mindset can lead to fatal outcomes.

Personally, I have never had an experience of being in a car accident, but I have witnessed friends or family members drive irresponsibly. One, in particular, is my mother. My mom has been driving for over half of her life and still fails to put on her seatbelt. This irresponsible act worries me to no end. My dad and I have to remind her every time she is driving somewhere constantly. Her ignorance in this realm of driving could have dangerous consequences, such as serious injuries or traffic tickets. More importantly, if she forgets to wear her seatbelt during a crash, fatality is highly inevitable. This bad habit she has developed is a severe issue and prompts me to remind others always to wear their seatbelts. The simple act of wearing a seatbelt results in fewer automobile accidents.

Steps I can take to be a better and safer driver and help others become safer on the road are cutting out distractions and keeping down my speed. For example, while driving, I often look down at my phone to change the music or view notifications that pop up. Instead, I should eliminate all distractions that could divert my attention from the road and choose to look at my phone once I pull over and come to a complete stop. Looking down for a split second could easily cost my life. In addition, sometimes, while I’m driving, I space out and ignore my speed. As a result, I’ll either be way under the speed limit or a little higher than the speed limit. It is my responsibility to control my speed. Even though posted speed limits may assist, it is my job to assess the situation and tailor my speed control to prevent an accident. All in all, continuous education is the key to becoming a safe driver. Encouraging driver’s education can induce safer driving habits and decrease the number of vehicle-related deaths.

References

ASIRT. (2022, April 21). Road Safety Facts. Association for Safe International Road Travel. https://www.asirt.org/safe-travel/road-safety-facts/

CDC. (2011, January 3). Policy Impact: Seat Belts | Transportation Safety | Injury Center | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/seatbeltbrief/index.html