Our Roads

“Ignorance is bliss”. Whoever came up with that idea clearly hadn’t seen the deadly effects of ignorance. Every day, people get into their cars and operate their vehicles, not knowing that they’re ignorant and that their lack of knowledge is putting themselves and so many other drivers at risk. Drivers’ education not only protects the driver but also protects passengers, pedestrians, riders, and everyone else that uses the roads as a means of transportation. When I first began driving, I knew nothing about the road. I understood the signs, and the stoplights, but I didn’t know the rules of the road and it could’ve cost me. Taking a driver’s education was the best choice I made for myself and my family. I drive my siblings to school every day, so having road knowledge isn’t just about me; It’s about protecting my siblings and the other drivers around me. When we have the knowledge, we can prevent ignorant mistakes, which are the root of many driving deaths. Knowledge about driving isn’t just about knowing the rules and norms of the road, but also the effects of unsafe driving. We can have all the knowledge, but we also need the wisdom to make wise decisions based on our knowledge of the road and the potential consequences of unsafe driving, like fatal car crashes that could result in gruesome deaths.

One step that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths is taking driver education classes even if it’s not required. In my state, when teens first get their permits, they must take a driver’s education course. Once they pass that, along with the knowledge test, they can get their permits. After that, they don’t have to take any type of class or course on driving, except as a possible way to get out of a ticket. As we get older, we tend to forget the information we learn if we don’t use it every day. Most drivers have the basics down, but they quickly forget the more intricate details of the road, ones that have the potential to be lifesaving. Taking these driver’s courses, even after one has earned their driver’s license, can effectively reduce the number of driving-related deaths. People have to make the choice to be safe drivers, and taking these driver’s courses supports their decision. Another possible way to reduce driving-related deaths is to change the culture around driving. In so many places, the societal norm is speeding. Going 15-20 miles over the speed limit is considered normal, instead of taboo. Unsafe driving is encouraged rather than discouraged. In order to create safe drivers, this cannot be the norm. Parents need to encourage their children to practice safe driving, even if it’s not a popular route. Schools should make driver’s courses mandatory for new drivers, even after they’ve gotten their licenses. Friends should encourage those they care about to drive carefully because there are people who need them safe and home.

I’ve never caused an accident, but I’ve been in one with my sister. We were driving home from work, and someone pulled out of a parking lot into the intersection and hit us. We were all safe, nothing more than superficial damage to the cars, but it was a scary experience. The lady had run the stop sign and ended up hitting the right end of our car. Although I was shaken, I was glad we all walked away unscathed, but I knew that not all accidents end like ours did. I had an overwhelming sense of thankfulness, and a newly founded awareness of all aspects of driving, using my turning signals, choosing to be patient instead of trying to beat the light, and of course, obeying all signs and signals.

One of the biggest things I implement, now and for as long as I’m driving, is to be a defensive driver. People make mistakes and unwise choices all the time. I can’t control their actions, but I can control mine. I can do everything in my power to create safer roads. I can anticipate what’s going to happen before it occurs. For example, if I see that someone is slowing down in the lane next to me, I can anticipate that my lane is going to slow down also and begin taking my foot off the gas. If the light is yellow, I can begin slowing down to stop instead of trying to beat the light. I can do my personal best to be defensive instead of offensive on the road. These small changes have the potential to save my life, and so many others, making better roads for everyone. “Knowledge is power” is a truth to live by, especially on the road.