Safety in Numbers

In most instances, drivers are completely safe. According to previous research compiled by Vergnano (2019), it stated that all drivers that buckle up are practicing safe driving. 374,276 is the number of lives seatbelts have saved in 2017 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2020). This applies to the driver and all passengers which minimizes traffic incidents.

In 2020, the number of deaths was 38,824 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2020). The driver’s education courses provide safety protocols as well as test the judgment of future people behind the wheel. Driving education is so important that in 1934 the first driver’s ed class was created introducing a piece of culture to our drivers (Tate, R., 2017, para. 1). I believe this course is important because it tests character. In the world, we are tested daily with decisions; character and judgment influence those decisions. Drivers’ education helps increase safety on the road and reduce the number of deaths by enhancing personal skills.

Road-related deaths are a global issue and each year it worsens. The number of deaths widens each year creating further problems for all parties involved. Even though driver licensing is required this happens. Some solutions include extensive education, more barriers, harsher regulations, and ongoing drivers’ safety rules. These steps compile the education already in place as well as new pieces.

Step 1 is extensive education, in the state of Texas, 48 hours are required to complete educational driving licensure. Extensive education includes extending the 48 hours of the required material to 5 days (120 hours). This is adding to the course already set in place and brings in new and improved materials. Step 2 is creating more barriers, while the courses are complex the testing should equally be complex. Driving is a privilege, not a right and to ensure this right is being handled correctly paper exams should be challenging. Also introducing a 2-week exam period can also be an initiative for obtaining a driver’s license.

Step 3 is harsher regulations. This entails removing some lenience for smaller offenses. Instead of a traffic ticket, community hours and suspension can be used as a number one. If regulations were harsher people would be less inclined to repeat mistakes and this would take a few people off the roads. The final step is ongoing safety rules. A repeat course for the first 6 months of a new driver is promoted. If the person cannot or doesn’t pass, they should be reprogrammed into the driver’s courses on a 3 times basis.

There have been instances where I have seen family members drive recklessly. In this instance one of my family members was in an accident because they were not being careful at a stop sign which caused a traffic accident. Luckily for them and the other driver it was not fatal, it was just an accident that resulted in a crash and tickets. At that time, they did have a driver’s license, but it was expired so they received an extra ticket that held a steeper weight. All this could have been avoided had they went to classes and understood the rules of the road.

The steps that I can take to become a better driver buckling up each time I get into the vehicle. seatbelts are very underestimated so usually when I do get in a vehicle it is not the first thing that I do which I can admit I need to work on. Another step is adjusting my accessories I usually do not get into the car and adjust my nearest or my likes to be safe for myself and others. I also believe a step that I can work on is being prepared and knowing my vehicle. I usually just get into the car not knowing anything about the vehicle and just driving which I think is detrimental to not only myself but others.

Some steps that I think other people can become safer with buckling your seat belt, adjusting your accessories, knowing your car, also pacing yourself, and ensuring that you understand where and how you are on the road. As we learned earlier into the and say is seat belt are important for saving lives, participating in this myself, and ensuring that this participated, and this can improve the numbers. as well as adjusting your accessories like mirrors and lights and things like that. Mirrors are important so you can see and so are lights, usually people do not do this, and it makes it harder for other people on the road. Another part is pacing yourself and knowing your car. Knowing things like if your car needs gas or oil change or if your brakes are damaged can make or break a situation. Lastly ensuring you know where you are and how you are on the road can improve driving casualties.

References

https://www.motorcities.org/story-of-the-week/2017/remembering-the-early-days-of-driver-s-education

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2020). Lives Saved

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2022). https://cdan.dot.gov/tsftables/National%20Statistics.pdf

Vergnano, P, M., (2019). How Do We Prevent Motor Vehicle Deaths? https://www.nsc.org/safety-first-blog/how-do-we-prevent-motor-vehicle-deaths-