Driver Education is the Foundation for the Common Good

Driver’s education in the United States has been around since 1934 when Amos Neyhard from Pennsylvania State created the first high school driving course. As years progressed, many states adopted state-wide curriculums making driver education more accessible. Even so, not all states required formal training before driver’s exam and teenagers often learned how to drive through their parents. Before the technology boom, children absorbed driving skills through observational learning. By the time they were ready to practice, these teens intuitively understood many concepts. 

  In our modern times, children have lost this rudimentary foundation because of all the “distractions” offered to them. The built in DVD player, the iPad, and the cell phone to name a few. More luxurious cars even have a gaming system installed. It is common that children never pay attention to how their parents are driving and many don’t even know how they got from one place to another. I, for example, understood very little about driving before I took my driver education course. My parents were appalled how little I knew. The need for driver education was crucial for me.

  Driver education taught me the fundamentals such as learning what signs and signals mean; the right of way; keeping my speed consistent; how to adjust mirrors; and much more. In addition, I was required to drive with their instructor in a safer setting. Driver education vehicles are equipped with a brake on the passenger side and the instructors are professionally trained to take control of the wheel when necessary. I also was required to spend many hours driving with my parents during the day and at night. The combination of professional instruction and time on the road was important for me to gain confidence, experience, and to become a safe driver. I had the tools to avoid accidents, know what to do in emergency situations, and know how to abided by the laws. 

  Experienced drivers still have a role to play while on the road. Most fatal deaths in car accidents are due to irresponsible and distracted driving such as speeding, texting, driving under the influence, road rage, and so on. The good news is that there are many deterrents that will reduce these incidents. For example, many townships set up speed traps. During the holidays state police strategically place checkpoints to identify drivers under the influence. Some vehicles have locking mechanisms if alcohol is detected. There are also legal and criminal punishments for people who break the laws. Even insurance companies recognize the catastrophic impact and increase rates for violations. Responsible citizens forming bad driving habits are jolted back into being a safe driver.

  While all these practices prevent many fatal accidents, the best duties are to help the common good of all drivers. Individual actions are the key and small habits will improve the overall problems. For instance, drivers can utilize technology by running their mapping apps which will alert them if they are speeding. They can also leave earlier to allow themselves extra time to get to their destination to avoid the temptations of speeding. I personally do not leave the driveway until my mapping app is set to my destination. I set my music playlist and then I plug my phone in the charger and do not touch it again until I arrive at my stop. This allows me to be as hands free as possible and my anxiety is reduced.

  It goes without saying motorists must be disciplined not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. I learned this through driver education, and I’m reminded by the multiple ads in school and TV. However, a step further would be to volunteer to be a designed driver and report any reckless driving. These gestures are the ultimate self-less way drivers can reduce accident fatalities. 

  With all these precautions, accidents still happen. My classmate did not violate any of the aforementioned. He made a poor decision to drive home to school when he was extremely tired and fell asleep at the wheel. He is lucky to be alive. His car served out of control, and he rolled three times before settling in a ditch. Thankfully, it didn’t involve another driver. This was a rude awakening for him and myself to understand my current conditions that might impair my driving capabilities. I discussed with my parents that if I am tired, I know to call them or an Uber to get home safely. I also will prepare my car and reevaluate driving when there is poor weather conditions. I know this firsthand because I drive an old car, 2003. There are always a lot of problems that need to be monitored and maintained. Regular checks of brakes, belts, and fluids will help keep your car breaking down, especially at high speeds. Ensuring your car is ready for the winter will help prevent major multi-car accidents. 

In the end, preventing fatal accidents is the responsibility of the individual behind the wheel. Driver education will provide the foundations and skills to new motorists. Monitoring, laws, and punishments will force drivers to think twice and help form better habits. But the desire to contribute to the common good will reduce distracted driving, road, and overall irresponsible driving.