Driver Education is the Catalyst for Change

Driving is an essential part of our everyday lives, but have you ever considered the danger driving poses? Sadly, driving accidents claim the lives of more than 34,000 individuals each year. What a profound impact we could make on society if we chose to value the lives of those on the road as we navigate our cities each day. Driver education institutes around the country are the catalyst for change. These institutions are proactively equipping new drivers to drive defensively. Different states are also trying to do their part by equipping new drivers with the skills needed to succeed. However, people are still traumatized by auto accidents every day. Will we start to understand that our driving affects others before it is too late?

Driver education is essential in reducing the number of deaths related to car accidents. Education is crucial. Teaching young drivers how to drive safely and informing them of their responsibility behind the wheel is the first step. Composed of two main parts, driver education teaches young drivers the rules of the road and gives them experience behind the wheel. Understanding the rules with the obligation to follow them as they practice driving with an instructor has put many students on the right path. Students should be equipped and taught how to handle themselves when they are in both favorable and unfavorable situations. Driver education is a means to reduce the number of deaths by educating the students and providing a practical driving experience.

The state is also trying to reduce the number of deaths related to car accidents. Some states have implemented a Graduated Driver Licensing Program. This program gives young drivers more experience behind the wheel. Allowing students as young as 14 to drive with a parent, the Graduated Driver License Program allows young teens to learn the basics of driving. At 16 these young drivers are allowed to drive on their own, however, there are curfews set in place. By the time the driver is 18, the driver will have a significant amount of experience driving and will be given their full license if they have not been in any accidents. This is a good system as most motor vehicle deaths take place between the ages of 16 and 18.

Car accidents can have devastating effects on everyone involved at the scene, as well as their loved ones at home. Six months ago, my dad and youngest sister were on their way home from a small-town reunion. They were driving on the highway when suddenly, a white pickup truck pulled out in front of them. The elderly driver was attempting to cross the highway, and my dad had no reaction time and hit the pickup while going 65 miles per hour. As the cars collided airbags deployed, and seat belts locked up saving my two family members from death as well as the elderly man. All parties were rushed to the hospital. Thankfully, only bumps and bruises were present after the collision. It was a miracle that they all walked away alive. After six months of chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy, both parties are back to normal. Unfortunately, the psychological trauma will stay with them forever. My sister is now timid in the car and does not care to sit in the front seat anymore. My dad is noticeably cautious when he sees a car perpendicular to the highway. Many people have tragic car accident stories in their families. Something must change!

The truth is that we can all make a difference on the road. Rules of the road are put in place for a reason, but it is not until we consciously calculate the real danger of driving that we will obey the rules and change our destructive driving patterns. Realizing that we are putting others in danger each time we are behind the wheel, we must take the initiative to drive responsibly. For instance, in my life, I need to leave plenty of time to drive to my destination as to not be hurried. When I am calm, I do not take unnecessary risks. Secondly, I need to be fully engaged in driving and not text or allow myself to get distracted in any way. Together, we can save lives on the road.

Driving is a crucial part of 21st-century transportation. Driving is also the most dangerous form of transportation. To put it in perspective, Wikipedia states that more people die each year from auto-related accidents than the combined number of soldiers who died in the Vietnam War. What are we going to do about it? Driver education is required, and the states are trying to regulate drivers. Unfortunately, many people still have stories of traumatic driving experiences as a result of reckless driving. It is important to remember that we can make a significant difference by deciding to handle our car responsively. Imagine the difference that we could make if we dedicated ourselves to the goal of having zero accident-related fatalities this year.