Driver Knowledge and Safety

What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number deaths as a result of driving?

When I think about the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving, the first thing that really comes to mind is when people tell me to have a safe flight when I go and visit my birthplace in Taiwan.

            My reasoning for this is due to there being more deaths in a car crash and more possibilities of this happening than a plane crash, so in reality myself or others should tell the one driving that they should have a safe drive or safe trip themselves.

            Without the proper education in driving we will not know the laws and regulations for this privilege. Without this knowledge we will not have the basic concept of the rules of the road, the common courtesy, or proper procedures that are needed to be followed in order to become a self-respecting driver.

What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?

            There can be a few simple tasks or steps that can be done in order to help reduce the number of deaths. I would say the first is when you are about to drive. I have been taught that before leaving the driveway to ensure my car is working in proper order. For example, are my lights working, tires at the right pressure, mirrors where I need them to be, blinkers working, and car fluid levels good, and to ensure that my seatbelt is connected.

            The next step or tasks would be to remove any distractions that I might have. One major one in this generation is the use of cell phones while driving. Many people tend to get distracted by texting and driving, or even calling people while driving. Although you might think this only takes a few seconds to do and you are not that distracted this is not true. Within those few seconds you could run someone over, hit another car, run a red light among many other things which could have been prevented. Another item in this category is knowing that your eyes and ears are not on the road, meaning that your focus is not where it needs to be as you will not be paying attention to your surroundings that could prevent you from hitting and killing someone.

            One last item comes to mind is not to drive while under the influence of any alcohol or drugs. This has on many occasions caused several deaths to people and their family members. Not only does this impair our driving, it is also known that while driving at night and drunk there is a high likelihood that you are going to kill someone. This is to also include driving on a minimal amount of sleep. Studies have even shown those who are sleep deprived are also considered in a way intoxicated or worse as their senses are exceedingly impaired.

Have you ever had an experience of being in car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly?

            I have been in a car accident during the winter of 2021. This was due to the inclement weather from it snowing which had caused the road to become slippery and full of ices. I had entered into a roundabout and the vehicle in front of me lost a bit of control running over the curb and slamming on the brakes, as I had entered the roundabout I attempted to stop by slowly pushing my brakes. Unfortunately, the brakes had locked up on me and the car started to slide and ran into the bumper of the car in front of me. Due to this experience I have become more aware of my surroundings, more so when it comes to entering a roundabout as it has caused me to be a bit fearful of it.

What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?

            The steps we can take to be a better and safer driver is really knowing where you are going, how to get there, not be distracted, and keep things in a working order to ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive. Another way is to make sure that we know the rules and regulations and remember to always keep our seatbelts on, although it might seem like a small thing it is important to know that the little things are what can cause a major problem in the end.