Inexperience Comes at a Cost

 

We were descending a snowy mountain pass with my mother driving, and at a sloped curve, the brakes did not work. We were saved by a guard rail which protected us from a cliff only a few feet away. Fortunately, nothing fatal happened, but, like many of our other experiences in the Rocky Mountains, it still leaves my family and I breathless each time. My parents can’t escape without leaving the car and ourselves unscathed, and they are experienced drivers. How about a less experienced driver like me? I could potentially lose my life in, not only the mountains, but in other dangerous situations.

It is known that unexperienced drivers are at more risk to get into deadly accidents no matter the conditions, rain or snow. In fact, statistics from the CDC in 2017 state that the “crash rate per mile driven is 1.5 times higher for 16-year-olds than it is for 18-19-year-olds”; furthermore, teen drivers, aged 16-19, are “nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash” (CDC). The correlation between the lack of experience and deadly crashes is clear.

That is why driver education is crucial. It prepares people to follow the rules of the road properly, teaches proper communication, whether its signs or signals, and prevents any dangerous habits, such as eating at the wheel, to happen. Importantly, it also allows people to have the crucial “ability to foresee potential hazards and unsafe situations” which can only be gained through experience (“Importance of Driver’s Education”). Driver education helps reduce crashes and potential deaths; however, it is still not enough.

Young adults still continue to die at alarming rates. Data from the CDC in 2017 concluded that “six teens aged 16-19 died every day due to motor vehicle crashes” making it about 2,136 deaths a year (CDC). To reduce even more deaths, newly licensed drivers need to drive more with a responsible parent or guardian to gain more experience. There should also be an extensive graduated driver education that goes through the rules and regulations more in depth. Research shows that through a “more comprehensive” licensing system there can be “26% to 41% reductions in fatal crashes” (CDC). Simply, more is needed to get rid of these preventable deaths.

Even though I am through with driver’s education, I will to continue to learn more about safe driving to protect myself and others in the car, and if I do make a mistake, I hope to reflect on it and become more precautious. I want to safely travel the road and explore the country, even if the road is through the dreadful and snowy Rocky Mountains.

https://www.awjlaw.com/marietta-personal-injury-blog/2013/august/importance-of-drivers-education/

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html