Name: Claire Jean-Pierre
From: Sioux Falls, SD
Votes: 13

It Is About All of Us

It Is About All of Us

Driving education is a crucial step for anyone desiring to use a motor vehicle on public or private roads. It is especially imperative considering that 84% of all Americans and nearly 35% of young adults ages 16-19 hold a driver’s license. In fact, a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that among 150,000 teen drivers, those who had not completed driver’s education were 75 percent more likely to get a traffic ticket, 24 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident and 16 percent more likely to have an accident. Thus, a well-rounded driving education including the knowledge of road rules and the dangers of not conforming to them as well as ample practice is vital in reducing deaths resulting from driving.

The significant number of drivers on the road means an increased likeliness of vehicular accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 45% of fatal crashes involving passenger vehicles, the drivers were either speeding, intoxicated, or not wearing a seat belt. It may seem trivial but wearing a seat belt is very important. I was once involved in a car accident in which my car was hit on my side and was deemed totaled, but I only had a minor bruise over one of my eyes. Had I not been wearing my seatbelt, things could have been worse. (Excluding the fact that my airbags did not even inflate). Even the officer present at the scene stated so. A few measures that can be taken to encourage safe driving practice are enforcing the seat-belt law as well as making speeding and red-light cameras legal in all states. It can be agreed that these laws might need some modifications, but there is no denying that they are helpful. Another cause for car crashes is Wheater events. For example, a study article found on the DOT website states the following ‘Each year 10 percent of passenger vehicle crashes occur in rain, snow, or sleet and approximately 13 percent of commercial vehicle (i.e., large truck) crashes happen in rain, snow, sleet, hail, or fog…’ So, in addition to the measures listed above, drivers too can take actions to ensure their own safety. They can do so by keeping themselves informed about the Wheater and by following officials’ guidance during storms and such events. Another thing that individuals can do is seek out insurance companies that offer incentives such as discounts for good driving. This exchange encourages good driving habits, while rewarding the driver. These are just a few of the actions that can be taken to reduce the number of car accidents.

Although I now have good driving skills, it was not always the case. I have been involved in two accidents due to my ignorance and incomprehension of some road rules. For example, the accident mentioned earlier took place because I failed to stop at a yellow light. I was going straight while the other driver was turning my way and we ended up bumping into each other. I was not aware that I was supposed to stop at the light, I thought it meant to proceed cautiously which was what I was trying to do. I only became aware that I was also at fault and why, because the police told me so and a friend of mine gave me further explanations. To give you a little more insight, I was taught how to drive in less than two months and was forced to go take the test despite my objections that I was not ready. Adding to that, I mostly got to drive in a small town. Had I had a chance to practice in the city more, it is probable that I would have encountered a yellow light and then be explained the rules. My other accident, which was my first, involved hitting a police car behind mine. Again, due to my ignorance, but I will not bore you with the details. From then, I had made it my responsibility to re-educate myself. And of course, follow road rules to the best of my knowledge. So yes, ignorance is bliss and that is why I encourage new drivers to have a well-rounded driving education.

Are there things that I can improve on? Sure. For example, l struggle to stay informed about the Wheater. There have been multiple occasions in which I became aware of Wheater events only because someone else would mention it. But that should not be the case considering that I am an essential worker, expected to be at work during all scheduled shifts. I also have the tendency to ignore directions given by officials because they interfere with my arranged plans. But, being informed early would give me enough time to work out a way to get to work as well as following instructions to stay put (or evacuate, but not applicable to me now) by rearranging other non-essential engagements.

Driving is a privilege that comes with responsibilities. Failing to practice good driving skills not only affects the individuals involved, but it also affects their family and friends. That is not a guilt anyone would want to carry. It is not just about me. It is not just about you. Rather, it is about all of us.

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