Drivers ed: Raising a Generation of Conscious Drivers

Drivers ed: Raising a Generation of Conscious Drivers

According to the Center for Disease Control, “the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens aged 16-19 than among any other age group. In fact, per mile driven, teen drivers in this age group are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash”. In the one year alone that I have had my license, I’ve witnessed countless examples of distracted and reckless driving within my group of peers, including texting while driving, speeding, and failure to follow basic traffic laws. If not for the responsible drivers on the road, I believe that some of these habits would have already resulted in a crash. In this day and age, it is crucial, more so than ever, to raise a generation of conscious, educated drivers.

Proper drivers ed plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of teen drivers. In a study done by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, “Young drivers who have not completed drivers ed are 75 percent more likely to get a traffic ticket, 24 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident, and 16 percent more likely to have an accident”. However, due to the hefty price of drivers ed courses, several people are unable to get the instruction that they desperately need. In order to reduce the number of driving related injuries and fatalities, inexpensive options need to be implemented. Everyone deserves an adequate drivers ed, regardless of financial status, and ensuring that every student has access to this education would save lives across the country.

Sufficient drivers ed is critical in developing positive driving habits for young adults, but the education should not stop after the last driving lesson. Look within yourself to recognize some of your own poor habits, and make a simple, efficient plan to replace those habits with new ones. When your friends participate in distracted driving, call them out, express your concerns about their actions, and give them a solution. When you are in a car with somebody else, offer to text for them, change the music, or give directions when necessary. These may seem like small, minor changes, but they very well could save a life.