Importance of Driver Education

Driver education is important in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. Specifically, driver education is important as it can instill a better sense of judgment. The educational programs not only impart the necessary technical knowledge but also empower drivers to make better decisions under different contexts (O’Neill, 2020). Such decisions can proactively prevent scenarios that can lead to accidents and in extreme cases, death. Driver education is also important as it subjects the learners to greater awareness of the effect of drugs and alcohol. They get a better understanding of the ways drugs and alcohol can impair their cognitive and motor skills and potentially, discourage drug driving which is a risk factor for accidents. Driver education is equally important as it connects the drivers to updated rules regarding road usage. A better understanding of road rules can reduce driver exposure to fines and importantly, can help reduce accident-related deaths. Moreover, driver education is crucial as it educates the learners about defensive driving techniques. These skills are useful as they empower drivers to predict potential risks, identify blind spots, and also enhance individual environmental awareness.

Steps to reduce the number of deaths related to driving

An array of steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. The first step it to cultivate a culture of road safety in which all stakeholders will be required to observe the rules and regulations. The relevant stakeholders in the USA can organize a skills-based model which will emphasize developing the right skills and behaviors that reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Practically, continuous civic education can be deployed to educate drivers on usual and emerging risks that can make roads safer. Distracted driving has been cited as the leading cause of accidents in the US. Therefore, the education should train drivers on the effect of texting while driving, drinking, grooming among others can lead to accident-related deaths. Therefore, drivers can be encouraged to avoid distractive behaviors and also more fines introduced to reduce repeat offenses.

The relevant stakeholders should also support the implementation of advanced technologies such as automated innovations. Berg (2006) reveals that up to 94% of road crashes are due to human error, thus these innovative technologies can help reduce incidence occurrence. However, the relevant stakeholders should collaborate to develop infrastructure connectivity that can effectively serve both autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles. The USA should also adopt zero death policies. Case in point, the USA can adopt the Safe System that has been successfully deployed in Australia as it has helped reduce the number of fatalities per 100,000 (Turner & Jurewicz, 2016). The Safe System can help reduce death-related accidents as it is anchored on a holistic framework that seeks to reduce risks across the entire infrastructure. The aim is to have safe vehicles, roadways and cultivate appropriate user behavior. However, the Safe System should be customized to reflect the domestic conditions. Also, the stakeholders can accelerate the implementation of proven countermeasures. This approach may include emphasizing strict use of seat belts, strengthening alcohol-related legislation, lower speed limits among others.

Driving irresponsibly and steps that can be taken

I have seen friends drive irresponsibly as some text or answer calls why driving. They have always argued that they are “environmentally aware” implying that they are in complete control of the vehicle. Some also argue that they can react appropriately within a moment’s notice. However, I have always found such arguments irresponsible and unsustainable because accidents are random occurrences and happen ‘instantly’. McGehee, Mazzae and Baldwin (2000) reveal that driver reaction brake time is about 2.3 seconds, a time sufficient for accidents to occur. Therefore, it is quite difficult to break or react in time to avoid an accident particularly if road conditions are extreme.

Accidents are prone to occur thus I have embraced some steps that I believe can make me a better driver. Such steps can also help others become better drivers. In particular,I will always and encourage others to avoid any form of distraction during driving. This may include eating, texting, grooming or making calls. I will always exit the road at designated sections to attend to matters that can trigger accidents. I will always avoid all forms of intoxication before driving. Similarly, I will always encourage others to avoid driving in case they are intoxicated. A viable solution in case of intoxication is to engage the services of hailing companies such as Uber. I will become an evangelist of safe driving on social media in which I will continuously encourage users to embrace safe driving. I will make posts and share relevant posts on safe driving which can gradually nurture better-driving behaviors. I will also engage in lobby activities that attempt to aid the development of stronger road safety policies.

References
– Berg H. Y. (2006). Reducing crashes and injuries among young drivers: what kind of prevention should we be focusing on?. Injury prevention : journal of the International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention, 12 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), i15–i18. https://doi.org/10.1136/ip.2006.012062
– McGehee, D., Mazzae, E., & Baldwin, S. (2000). Driver Reaction Time In Crash Avoidance Research: Validation Of A Driving Simulator Study On A Test Track [Ebook]. Retrieved 13 January 2022, from https://copradar.com/redlight/factors/IEA2000_ABS51.pdf.
– O’Neill, B. (2020). Driver education: how effective?. International journal of injury control and safety promotion, 27(1), 61-68.
– Turner, B., & Jurewicz, C. (2016, September). Development and use of the austroads safe system assessment framework. In Australasian Road Safety Conference, 2016, Canberra, ACT, Australia.