For Safety’s Sake

For Safety’s Sake

Andrew Alward

Driving is an important and almost mandatory skill for many people, which brings up the importance of drivers ed. Like many activities, driving is a skill and just like any other skill, it must be honed and perfected. A significant portion of drivers ed classes involves studying driving laws. In the process of learning the laws and regulations, one can attain a working theoretical knowledge of the rules of the road and how they work. Drivers ed also covers other theoretical aspects of driving. This is a great first step, since before someone starts driving, they should generally know the basics and the framework within which they will function. However, a person with simply theoretical knowledge cannot be expected to safely operate a vehicle. That is why the next logical step would be to include supervised driving. This is accomplished with a driving school’s instructor and practice with a guardian. Once the subject has demonstrated a fair ability in this skill, the last step would be to test that newfound knowledge with a driving test. The test should encompass as many of the situations that a regular driver would face as possible and only after passing successfully, would the subject be allowed the privilege of a driver’s license. This multi-layered approach assures that the individual has a deep awareness of the risks inherent in driving, which hopefully helps reduce the risk of accidents. The subsequent upkeep of this skill is a paramount duty of everyone and should be monitored to maintain a continued high level of that skill. The lack or slacking of that skill as a result of time or slothfulness is not only dangerous for the driver, but also for the passengers and others on or near the roadway.

Although all mortalities cannot be eliminated, through education and continued testing they can be reduced and nearly eradicated. Testing the driver when license renewal time has arrived, can assure that each individual is maintaining the safest practices possible. I believe this will further reduce the death toll on the roadways and make them a saver place for all. It would be similar to yearly car inspections or going to the doctor for your annual checkup, although not as often.

In the past, I have witnessed irresponsible driving. One such situation was as a passenger with several friends, in a car flying down the freeway at about 90-mph in a 60-mph zone. To be frank, it was ever so slightly terrifying! I should add that the driver was talking and texting. Although the incident ended safely, the example set for those of us in the vehicle and others on the roadway, was not one that should be emulated. As for myself, it instilled a sense of responsibility to always drive carefully and cautiously. Still, this type of behavior should not just be corrected, but avoided. Demonstrating the possible consequences of such behavior and providing good training, is the reason driving schools are essential.