In the Driver’s Seat

Driver education reduces the number of driving deaths because new drivers are introduced to risk factors that lead to fatal crashes such as speeding, alcohol use, distracted driving, seat belt use, and nighttime driving before they ever drive a car on a road. Education of teen drivers is particularly important because teen drivers aged 16-19 are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal car crash (CDC, 2018). Inexperience certainly contributes to the number of fatal crashes involving teens, but the rate of fatal crashes would be much higher without driver education.

There are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving and they can involve education, drivers, car manufacturers (safety technologies), road construction (restricted access roadways), and governments (graduated licensing). For this essay, however, I will focus on some things that driver education and drivers can do.

Driver education should instruct drivers on risk factors, but it should also focus on skill development because driving is a complex skill that requires practice to master. I would like to see driver education evolve to take advantage of emerging technologies that could give new drivers an immersive learning experience such as using a driving simulator to simulate risky driving conditions such as driving on ice or driving while tired or drowsy.

Drivers can follow some easy-to-remember “always” and “never” rules that focus on the risk factors above including: (1) always drive at a speed that you are confident is safe based on the road conditions, (2) never drive a car after drinking alcohol and never ride in a car when the driver has been drinking alcohol, (3) always wear a seat belt and always make passengers wear their seat belts, (4) never drive when you are distracted whether the distraction is from thoughts or emotions, passengers, a mobile phone, or from fast food, and (5) always be extra cautious when driving at night.

I have had the experience of being in a car accident. A few years ago and before I was a licensed driver, I was a passenger in a car that was rear-ended in heavy traffic by a 17-year-old female driver. No one was injured in the accident, but the noise and the feeling of the impact is fresh in my mind. I also remember the driver crying and saying that the accident was her “third accident this year”. This accident experience shaped me when I took driver education and still does when I drive today.

There are certainly some things that I can do to be a better, safer driver and to help others become safer on the road. First, I can lead by example when it comes to the “always” and “never” rules discussed above. Next, I can be a defensive driver to protect myself and others on the road. Finally, I can always make safety my only concern when I am driving.