Revving Up Road Safety: Reducing Road Fatalities through Driver Education and Action

Driving is an essential part of modern life. However, it also poses a significant risk to people’s safety. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among people aged 5-29, with around 1.35 million fatalities annually and leaving between 20 and 50 million people with non-fatal injuries. Car accidents in the United States account for a significant number of deaths each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 38,824 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes on U.S. roadways during 2020. There were 42,939 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes on U.S. roadways during 2021, almost a 10-percent increase from fatalities in 2020. This alarming statistic emphasizes the importance of driver education and safer driving in reducing these numbers and ensuring road safety.

One of the most critical measures that can be taken to reduce the number of road fatalities is driver education. Driver education refers to a set of programs and courses that aim to teach drivers the skills and knowledge necessary to operate a vehicle safely. In a 2014 research, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that teens who took a driver’s ed class lowered the risk of getting in a crash by 4.3% and receiving a traffic ticket by 40%. Furthermore, researchers Duane Shell and Ian Newman of the Nebraska Prevention Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln compiled the driving records of 151,800 Nebraska youth who obtained their provisional operator’s permit between 2003 and 2010. They found that young drivers who have not completed driver’s education are 75 percent more likely to get a traffic ticket, 24 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident and 16 percent more likely to have an accident, the study showed. Based on these numbers, driver education plays a significant role in preparing individuals for the road and making them aware of potential hazards. These programs can be offered in various settings, including schools, driving schools, and community centers.

An important concept taught in driver education is the SIPDE (Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute) system. This system teaches drivers to scan their surroundings, identify potential hazards, predict potential outcomes, make decisions based on these predictions, and execute a safe driving maneuver. The SIPDE system aims to help drivers avoid dangerous situations on the road by anticipating potential risks and responding appropriately. Driver education programs also cover topics such as traffic laws, vehicle maintenance, and driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. These programs teach drivers the rules of the road and the importance of responsible driving practices.

In addition to driver education programs, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), enforcing laws related to speeding, drunk driving, child restraints, seatbelt use and more, can significantly reduce the number of road fatalities. In addition, the WHO recommends the implementation of road safety infrastructure, such as speed bumps, roundabouts, and traffic lights, to reduce the risk of accidents.

Another crucial step is enforcing stricter laws and penalties for reckless and negligent driving. This includes cracking down on drunk driving, distracted driving, and speeding. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speed has been a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all traffic deaths. And in 2020 alone, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. The consequences of speeding are dreadful, as they can cause anything from loss of vehicle to full blown crashes which could in turn lead to more severe consequences. Stricter enforcement of speed limits and penalties for speeding can help reduce these numbers.

Promoting awareness and education about safe driving practices can also contribute to reducing the number of deaths related to driving. This includes educating drivers on the dangers of distracted driving, driving under the influence, and other unsafe behaviors. Speaking from personal experience, I have (thankfully) never had anyone close to me involved in an accident that resulted in the worst-case scenario but I have been in a car with a family member who often sped and drove recklessly on more than one occasion. As a way to discourage this, I stopped riding with this relative. I had a conversation with my aunt concerning this and she spoke to the relative in question and they promised to be more careful and calm on the road. As I look back on that situation, if I had not spoken up sooner, I honestly cannot imagine what would have happened at some point along the line. We should all encourage our friends and family to practice safe driving habits and lead by example.

Driver’s education is a crucial component in reducing the number of deaths resulting from driving. By providing individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a vehicle safely, driver education can help to prevent accidents and promote safe driving practices. Enforcing traffic laws and regulations, improving the design of roads and vehicles, and promoting safe driving practices through education and awareness-raising efforts are also crucial steps to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Ultimately, it is our responsibility as individuals to take the necessary steps to become safer drivers and reduce the risks associated with driving on the road.