Importance of Drivers Education

Transporting to and from our daily anticipated locations may appear to be normal activities. By transportation, I’m implying motor vehicles: trucks, cars, motorcycles, etc.

According to research cited from “United States military casualties of war”,

“In American, an average of 34,000 people die a year as a result of driving, then the total number of American soldiers who have died from war in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.” (Wikipedia Sources, 2014)

The extreme dangers of competing the simple task of proceeding to the next place with your vehicle are unfolding through the shockingly increased numbers of deaths and frequency of them.

Drivers’ education is a course of study that informs of techniques corresponding to driving a vehicle, along with basic vehicle maintenance safety precaution and traffic regulation and laws. In 2020, 25.6% of the 16-year old’s, 49% of 17-year olds, and 60.9% (Federal Highway Administration) for obtaining license.

An additional examination from American Automobile Association stated,

“New AAA foundation study shows more teens are obtaining their license before the age of 18” (Gross, 2019)

“More than 60% of teens got their driver license before the age of 18, according to new research from AAA foundation for traffic safety. An 11% increase since 2012. (Washington, 2019)

Teens are driving at one of the highest rates ever recorded. The AAA study revealed key differences between teens who receive driver’s education and those who do not.

“Driver’s education is associated with a lower incidence of both crashes and 4.3% and convictions by nearly 40%” (AAA foundation, 2022)

Therefore, the significance of driver’s education benefits teenagers or younger adults because it provides protective driving instructions, analyze various types of accidents and can reduce the likelihood of an accident occurring.

Acquiring knowledge of road signs and safety makes road safer for your own sake and others. Researchers included,

“Because teen crashes and fatalities rates are highest at ages 16-18, these are meaningful (UNL researchers, 2015)

Drivers Education builds the confidence of drivers, also. Confident drivers are safer when driving and are safer when driving and are more alert to recognize dangerous driving situations and avoid them. Technology is globally used and more than frequently. As young adult my phone is my number one companion. Smartphones are currently made extremely accessible, which makes people convince themselves they can text, check a notification, or any other activities involving distractions from the focus of driving

“The numbers illustrating the dangers of cell phone use while driving is downright startling. In fact, at any given time throughout the day, approximately 660,000 drivers are attempting to use their phones while behind the wheel of an automobile (USA Today, 2007)

“The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year.”

The studies conducted are solid indicators that the prevention of phone usage while driving should be a major factor in decreasing deaths. There are laws implicated around the United States that do prohibit having the cellular device in your hand while driving. For instance, in Georgia, it is familiar that drivers use phone holders.

Following the step of phone prohibition, should be carefully following all road rules and any information learned from drivers’ education. Not getting distracted by things outside the phone is an additional step.

Driving under the influence is a highly risky hazard.

“Every day, about 32 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 45 minutes. In 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2019. These deaths were all preventable (NHTSA, 2020)
Personally, I’ve only been in minor accidents with no fatalities. However, I have nearly experienced them.

In one of those cases, last year’s summer, I was involved in a small accident which left a slight abrasion alongside both of our vehicles. There was also another encounter with a nearly disastrous outcome when one rainy, gloomy day in the fall of last year, I unexpectedly braked at a changing light and caused my vehicles to spiral uncontrollably in the middle of a highway intersection in my hometown. These humbling experiences prompted me to be cautious in all types of weather and to pay more attention to surroundings. The reasoning for attempting was to make it to my job at an appropriate time. Therefore, it reminded me that it is dangerous to be in a rush when driving.

However, my older brother endured a terrible accident which totaled his car and nearly claimed his life. Unresponsible drinking resulted in the almost deadly accident. He was heavily under the influence at 4-5 AM on an early January day in 2020. Doctors claimed because of the position was located he missed death by inches.

This terrible experience for my brother and family was an eye opener. The minor injuries are temporary; however, death is permanent and not driving sober can cause extreme fatalities. Being more attentive to my surroundings is my way of improving myself and others safety. Sometimes, in accidents it is the opposing person’s fault, which provides more reason to “drive you and the others” as well.

Phone usage is a slight issue for me but the most I ever touch my phone while driving is to change music.

Nonetheless, I will begin changing music through the radio system Instead of picking up my phone. This will ensure my security and prevent any sudden accidents. Statistics and my personal knowledge of accidents, finder binders, etc., illustrate the importance of Drivers Education. It will emphasize the urge to better prepare yourself for the road.

References

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

“Teen Distracted Driver Data” NHTSA.

“2016 Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes: Overview” NHTSA.

“Driver Electronic Device Use in 2010.” Traffic Safety Facts: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. December 2011.

“State lawmakers try to curb driver distractions.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. October 2007.

“Teen texting is OTT, even at wheel.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. July 2007.

“Bill would require motorists to unhand their phones.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. June 2006.

“PennDOT Teen Driver Safety Week News Release.” Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. October 22, 2008.

“Cellphones and Driving.” Insurance Information Institute. October 2008.