What Driver’s Education Really Teaches

Driving is a milestone for many people, signifying freedom and independence for the very first time. But driving also signifies increased responsibility and can become dangerous if we abandon that responsibility to keep ourselves and each other safe on the roads. Driver education is crucial to reducing the number of deaths related to driving as well as defining the rules of the road so that individuals can be as safe as possible when driving.

While those 30 hours in a classroom may seem dull or tedious at first, they make young drivers think twice about their driving habits even before they get behind the wheel. Starting habits early will only reinforce their importance and make them commonplace. The more these rules are taught and practiced, the more they will benefit the drivers and those around them in the future. So the importance of driver’s education cannot be understated. 

Driver education programs typically cover topics such as traffic laws, defensive driving, road signs and signals, and vehicle maintenance. These programs are designed to teach drivers how to react in various situations and how to make safe decisions while driving. For example, defensive driving techniques can help drivers avoid accidents caused by other drivers’ mistakes, such as sudden lane changes or braking. Driver education can also teach drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.

Distracted driving is a major cause of deaths and injuries in motor vehicles. Something as simple as picking up a phone to switch the music or applying mascara in the front mirror can mean life or death if not careful. An easy way to increase focus while driving is to have a hands-off approach when it comes to technology. For example, placing the device out of reach or having a passenger use it for you is a great way to practice safe-driving techniques. For other things that require attention, wait until you get to your destination to complete the task, or in an emergency, pull off to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. 

Another important aspect of driver education is teaching drivers about the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving. Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, and driver education can help drivers understand the risks and consequences of driving under the influence. By educating drivers about the dangers of impaired driving, they can make more responsible decisions and reduce the number of accidents caused by impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 10,000 people die from drunk driving-related accidents a year. Ten thousand. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol has serious consequences, so designating a driver at social events or calling an Uber or Lyft for a ride home are simple steps to avoid serious consequences.

Outside of driver education, there are many steps that can be taken to reinforce driving safety. Public education campaigns that encourage people to wear their seat belts and warn others about distracted and impaired driving can make a massive difference to change attitudes and behaviors and prompt drivers to make safer decisions on the road. Additionally, in many states, winter driving can be challenging. With snow and ice as frequent disrupters of traffic, teaching kids how to navigate the roads under such conditions when they first start driving can better prepare them for facing them alone in the future. These types of programs can reach a large number of people, thus creating safer roads and more careful drivers.

Personal experiences with car accidents or seeing family and friends driving irresponsibly can be a wake-up call for many to become safer, more responsible drivers. Holding ourselves and each other accountable can help keep the roads much safer for everyone. Following steps such as turning off your phone, wearing a seat belt, and refraining from eating while behind the wheel can save many lives. Even something as simple as obeying traffic signs and speed limits can make a difference in someone’s life. 

Every time we step behind the wheel of a car, we are making a tacit, yet mutual promise that others will value our lives as much as we value theirs. Adhering to safe driving habits can be the point of life or death and can show that you care about others’ safety and well-being. That’s why driver education is so important. Driver education goes beyond teaching about stop signs and the right of way, it’s about teaching young people how to become not only responsible drivers but also caring and responsible citizens.