Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development: Applying Morality to Safe Driving

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development: Applying Morality to Safe Driving

In Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, three levels of morality describe different motivations to do the right things. In the preconventional stage, morals are shaped by a self-centered motivation to stay out of trouble by following the rules. Next, in the conventional stage, one is moral due to the standards set by the society in which they reside. Finally, during the post-conventional stage, one’s morals are shaped by things that they value. That develops with personal experience. This theory addresses the progression of morals as people age; however, it can be a guide for safe driving in order to reduce deaths caused by driving incidents. 

A few steps can urge people to drive responsibly by following Kohlberg’s theory. For example, enforcing strict laws on reckless driving would follow the preconventional stage because people would drive safer in fear of getting a ticket. Actions like operating a phone while driving or excessive road rage should be fined. Per the conventional stage, society needs to be firmer about driving safely. There should be advertisements regarding safe driving on popular media apps like TikTok that are highly activated by teens. Creators can post about wearing seat belts or support apps that allow people to do things such as send text messages without taking their eyes off the road. By practicing such steps, there will be more promotion for safe driving. Additionally, drivers ed should be an elective class that students can choose to take in high school. The lessons can include the consequences of driving recklessly, the dangers of not following rules like wearing belts, or how to control anger when there is an inconvenience with other drivers. When society becomes strict about its standards, people will be responsible drivers because of the need to follow societal norms. The post-conventional stage in regards to driving would require a person to choose to do the right thing when they are in the driver’s seat based on their ethical standards. This can only happen if people follow the steps within the first two stages. When people are aware of the horrible consequences that come along with driving recklessly, they will value safe driving for themselves.  In this stage, people will consider the fact that other lives are also at risk when they drive. 

Most importantly, people need to hold each other accountable to keep everyone safe. I do not drive, but I have seen people do things like setting up their GPS while driving. Instead of responding in a way that seems like I am policing them, I offer to do it for them. Other times, people call me while they are driving, and I ask them if they can call me when they arrive at their destination. Although being a safe driver is mostly in the hands of the person in the driver’s seat, everyone can contribute to safe driving.