Roads Connect Us All

One of the things that separates me drastically from my sister is her zeal for all things adult. She was one of those children who wanted to grow up as soon as possible, and nothing screams more independence and maturity than a fresh driver’s licence. My father loves to brag about not just her perfect permit test score but also her flawless driven test as well; watching her, she made it look easy. Being behind the wheel made her feel like she could rule the world, yet an incident on the road was almost what took her from this world. Just days after she received her lincense, my sister was in a massive car crash that not only totalled our new vehicle but completely crushed her self confidence in her abilities. Though we all are incredibly grateful that this crash did not cause her any major health issues, it was clear that it traumatized her from driving any longer. The worst part of it all was that it wasn’t even her fault; in fact, the other driver was arrested, for good reason. That driver’s blood-alcohol levels were way over the allotted amount to drive safely, and his presence on the road was a show of his selfishness and lack of respect for the fellow communters that he shared the road with, and this ties back to the main issue with reckless driving behaviors. Often, people will justify these behaviors with their own personal opinions on the matter, while simultaneously failing to acknowledge the others who that decision affects. By educating ourselves with the laws and regulations of the road using traditional learning methods, to incorporating new, but effective methods to reach the road’s most reckless drivers, we can create a much safer road that we all feel comfortable sharing.

Educating drivers on the laws of the road seems like a self-explanatory solution for safety, yet an education geared towards the understanding of the rationale behind those rules is crucial to convince drivers to adhere to them. In order to get a driver’s permit, many have to take a written (or computerized) test to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge of road safety guidelines. For those under eighteen, there is also an additional set of lessons you have to watch to help you learn the concepts. I think many accept this as a “necessary evil” as although these videos aren’t exactly riveting, we all can understand why you would have to learn the laws before you drive. Despite that, part of the issue lies in that nonchalant attitude towards rules designed to keep us safe. We as drivers often see rules as guidelines to be followed when it’s “conveinient”. Yet car accidents don’t adhere to ou schedules, and that behavior in driving is inherently selfish and self-centered. One of the main comforts I always give people before they take their permit tests is to not overthink things, because a lot of it is just common sense. And that transparency is exactly how we should see all laws. Most may understand why leaving a baby in a hot car is immoral, yet some may not conceptualize why its wrong to run a stop sign even when no one else is there. Driver’s education should focus on both how to drive, and why we drive in the way that we do. Education is the opposite of ignorance, and an understanding of the nuances and dangers of the road automatically leads to more caution and ultimately fewer deaths.

Now that the benefits of driver’s education are established, it is important to focus it to those who need it the most. Deaths on the road are much too common with the rise of reckless driving, especially in teens and young adults. By allowing teens to understand the severity of their actions behind the wheel, they will automatically develop a view that encompasses more than just themselves. One of the best ways to do this woul dbe to come directly to them, with mediums that they would best understand. One example of this is social media, where safe driving practices can be promoted and seen by many teens. Another very effective method would be to bring speakers directly to schools, such as DMV instructors and even first-responders. The examples of real life stories and implications will help many young adults to put their actions into perspective, and hopefully deter them from any incorrect actions. One thing that my school does is hold driving instruction lessons over the summer and winter break to hopefully help kids obtain their permits, which allows the practices of safe driving to be re-inforced on our campus. I believe that it is important that many of these measures are directed to young adults, as they are the group that statistically drives with the least amount of caution. Understanding is a powerful tool, and by shifting the mindset from rules being something we have to follow to something we need to follow, we can have a reverence for the importance these laws have for the safety of our roads.

Being a safe driver myself comes down to stepping outside of my own perspective, and into the mind of others. When I realize how much my action affect all of those around me, it helps me to keep whatever short-term emotions I have in check. I also have to watch what others around me do, and act accordingly. One of a driver’s greatest tools is discernment, and being able to make judgements quickly can keep myself and others safe. To do this, I need to make sure that I am always completely alert and paying close attention. Many times the people around me make their own mistakes, and I have to respond accordingly to keep the road we share safe. To teach this to others, the very best thing I can do is set a good example. I often drive with my brother for example, and he is too young to have a license. This means he is learning from the way that I drive, and thus I want to make sure that he understands how important his actions are on the road. I don’t condone reckless behavior in my friends as well, and by taking to them about how harmful their actions can be, I help them to realize how important they are to me. I never want to lose someone to something that they could have avoided if they had just been a bit more patient and understanding. Driver education is education on life saving tools that can help all of the lives lost frm recklessness and selfishness. We all play a role in keeping the roads we share safe, and educating ourselves on the power that driving wields is a big part of it.