Making Good Drivers

I do not blame the staggering number of vehicle related fatalities solely on whichever driver was at fault but the way in which future drivers are educated as well as toxic cultural ideals (like never relying on others).

I believe a response to this crisis is free driver’s education. It needs to be available at every high school in the country. I believe a more comprehensive education in regards to the real dangers of driving, and driving impaired would, although not magically fix the tens of thousands of deaths each year, would dramatically improve drunk-driving crashes, saving lives.

I have witnessed high school students brag to one another about driving high, as well as while “buzzed.” I can not imagine anyone who would do so after learning that “Every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 39 minutes” (Drunk).

Another component of unsafe driving practices is one another. As a young person I frequently hear comments on new drivers driving, one memory that stuck with me was when I was in a car with a friend, being driven by a second friend. The driver slowed down when we saw a yellow light a good distance ahead, as one does, and my fellow passenger critiqued them saying “Come on, you know yellow means speed up.” Small interactions like these when first developing driving habits have a profound impact on new drivers. I truly believe that if Driver’s education was taught while you were surrounded by a group of your peers learning about the consequences of, say, accidentally running a red light, comments like these would be severely limited, as that learning environment would ensure a base level of knowledge as well as more equitable access to education, even for those who can not or choose not to drive. 

In my physics class our teacher had people take out their phones and time how long it took to read and reply to our most recent texts. He then has us calculate how many feet or in come people’s cases, miles we would have driven had we done that driving 65 miles an hour. This lesson pops into my head whenever my phone lights up as I drive. This is the type of education that can save a life, understanding the real consequences of actions from the beginning of your driving. 

I have never been in a serious car crash but despite my own safe driving that is all luck. I believe I drive safely as I drive at a safe speed of traffic, (never more than 5 mph over the speed limit), never have my phone in my arms reach, and avoid becoming emotionally engaged (i.e. road rage). I know I could improve as a safer driver, especially regarding the speed limit. I refuse to participate in comments on other people’s conservative driving, although my friends have apologized for doing things like, not making a risky right on red, or not going fast enough. I strive to be a more rule-following driver and continue to tell my friends it’s ridiculous to apologize for being a safe driver.

One might say, well that is all well and good, but teachers already have to cover so much, how do you expect this to be added? I believe states or counties should contract organizations like DMVedu.org to have professionals come in and offer a comprehensive set of lessons. 

In conclusion, to effectively combat this crisis, implementing free driver’s education in every high school across the country is a necessary step. By ensuring access to comprehensive education on the real dangers of driving, including the perils of driving impaired, we can make a significant impact on reducing drunk-driving crashes and saving lives. We would also be addressing the influence of peers on young drivers, as their attitudes and behaviors shape early driving habits. Creating a learning environment within driver’s education, where students collectively understand the consequences of risky driving behaviors, can diminish harmful comments and promote safer practices among new drivers. Such an inclusive approach ensures equitable access to education and instills a strong foundation of knowledge for all, even those who do not or cannot drive. Exposing individuals to the real consequences of actions through impactful lessons, like the physics class exercise highlighting the dangers of distracted driving, can cultivate responsible behaviors from the start. Understanding the potential impact of texting while driving, for instance, can save lives and reinforce the importance of focused attention on the road. Striving to be a safer driver involves adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions like smartphones, and maintaining emotional composure behind the wheel. Refraining from participating in comments that encourage risky driving behaviors and promoting rule-following attitudes among peers are crucial steps toward creating a safer driving culture.

Driver education is vital in reducing driving-related deaths. By implementing comprehensive programs, raising awareness of risks, and fostering responsible attitudes, we can work together to save lives on the roads. It is our collective responsibility to become better and safer drivers ourselves, while also advocating for road safety and encouraging others to do the same.

“Drunk Driving.” NHTSA, www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving#:~:text=Every%20day%2C%20about%2037%20people,a%2014%25%20increase%20from%202020. Accessed 10 July 2023.