Driver’s Education and Improvement

In 2021 there were 42,939 deaths associated with motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). That is 12.9 deaths per every 100,000 people. Even without considering the fact that this toll is with most vehicles possessing modern advancements in automotive safety features, this is a large number (Fatality Facts 2018: State by State, 2018).

There have been several proposed methods to reduce these fatality numbers. One such option endorsed by the government and insurance companies is driver education. That then begs the question is driver education an effective and important component in the fight against traffic fatalities. A myriad of studies suggest that it is. AAA found that teens who took a drivers ed class were 4.3% less likely to get in a crash and 40% less likely to receive a traffic ticket (McWhirter, 2021). The American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that the implementation of state driver education training was associated with a noticeable reduction in the percentage of fatal crashes among 15- and 17-year-olds (“Effects of high school driver education on motor vehicle crashes”), and another study by the National Institute of Health concluded that classroom driver education when in conjunction with on road training results in a significant improvement in driving ability. Additionally, increased driver safety knowledge results in a reduction in crash likelihood (Akbari et al., 2021). With all of these voices of authority arguing for the effectiveness of driver education in reducing the likelihood of crashes and improving the overall ability of drivers, it stands to reason that driver education is a critical component in the fight against crash related deaths. After all, the operation of a multi ton motor vehicle ought to be accompanied by some form of formal training in said vehicle’s operation.

Although driver’s education is a blanket policy that has been shown to improve an individual’s ability to operate a motor vehicle, certain more specific steps on the part of governments, car manufacturers, and individuals can be taken in order to also reduce crash fatalities. Governments can pass and enforce stricter laws on issues such as drinking and driving and distracted driving. Increased street camera monitoring systems and improved vehicle safety regulations can also be implemented. Vehicle manufacturers can improve safety features and increase the availability of more advanced safety features. The individual can make it a habit of obeying existing traffic safety laws such as wearing one’s seatbelt, not drinking and driving, and staying off one’s phone while driving.

Despite such safe driving practices being advised and taught, many individuals do not always abide by them even with sufficient knowledge of their existence and method of implementation. Although I have never personally seen such behavior actively result in an accident, I have witnessed it in the driving of my family and friends. One example is one of my relatives who has the bad habit of signaling only once she has already started turning rather than before. Also, there was an instance when an adult friend of mine was driving and removed his hands from the wheel and took his eyes off the road for several seconds. Although no crash resulted, it still was cause for concern. Another occurrence was when a different friend and I were driving home from a sporting event and I noticed that he was going 10 to 15 miles an hour faster than the speed limit. Granted, he only did this for about a quarter of a mile; however, it still didn’t strike me as particularly safe (or legal).

All these examples then beg the question, what steps can be taken to improve my driving, my friends’ driving, and my family’s driving. Aside from not drinking and driving, wearing one’s seatbelt, and not driving while distracted or tired, one also ought to first develop a certain respect for and attitude toward driving. That is to say, a person should really let it sink in that they are in control of a multi-ton vehicle moving at several dozen miles an hour. Thus, a person should act accordingly and treat the vehicle just as they would a dangerous tool that can cause harm if not handled properly and with respect. This means rushing is off the table. As my father says, “if you’re late you’re late.” It is better to miss a single appointment than the rest of your potential life. Building on that same idea of respect for the vehicle, a person must also behave in a manner that is respectful of other drivers and their multi-ton tools of danger. Road rage is not acceptable. Maintaining a calm and level head in all situations is crucial to a safe driving experience. Just as it would be ill advised to introduce additional emotional turmoil if one were working with a chainsaw, table saw, or nail gun, a person should seek to reduce emotional spikes when operating an automotive vehicle. Another good idea is to attempt to reduce one’s nighttime driving whenever possible. Adjusting behavioral patterns or plans to accommodate this should be considered. In addition to these day-to-day safe driving habits, another practice that could improve an individual’s skills and safety as a driver is actively training and attending training for adverse, unexpected, and potentially hazardous scenarios. Practicing under controlled conditions on icy, wet, and loose surfaces gives the driver a better understanding of how the vehicle handles on unconventional surfaces, and it improves their ability to react to any potential issues that could arise such as hydroplaning. It is also good to practice aggressive braking, slalom driving, and going on and off a road that is elevated compared to the surrounding terrain. This is critical because it gives the driver a deeper understanding and feel for how their car reacts when it is pushed to its limits in terms of handling, and it gives the driver experience regarding how to correct for any unforeseen behaviors while in a safe and controlled environment. This reduces panic on the road, and thus, it reduces the likelihood of an accident resulting from the vehicle behaving unexpectedly. The final thing to train, which is arguably the most difficult, is the ability to know where to look and how to judge the potential actions of other drivers and pedestrians. One example of this would be looking amongst parked cars to see if there is the potential for someone to step out from behind a vehicle. This last point is something that comes with time and experience, and thus, it is harder to train; however, simply keeping an eye out and being observant is a start.

To conclude, in classroom and on-road driver education is a critical component in reducing the likelihood of a crash and subsequent potential fatality; however, one must also actively put into practice what is taught and learn from the mistakes of others. Also, training shouldn’t stop with a single in-school driver’s education class. A driver must take responsibility for their vehicle seriously and always seek to improve their driving ability in all conditions. Driving is one of the single most dangerous activities that most people do on a day-to-day; however, because it is done daily, people become complacent with it, and just like any other dangerous tool, when people get complacent and start to bend the rules bad things happen and injury and death can occur. Thus, when operating a motor vehicle, one must always stay vigilant and levelheaded. Ultimately, the primary force behind your safety on the road is you.