Dumb Ways to Drive

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 43,000 Americans died in 2022 from traffic accidents. When everyday life across the country is dependent on motor vehicle transportation, these numbers become a pressing concern begging the question: how can we effectuate an era of safer drivers?

Driver’s education is crucial to maintaining a well informed population of drivers. As a mandatory step in gaining driving privileges, it provides an opportunity to effectively spread awareness of the dangers of bad decisions made in the drivers’ seat. Through open and honest conversations that gently approach the sensitive topic of deaths as a result of driving, younger drivers are better prepared to avoid mistakes and harsh decisions in the future to reduce this devastatingly high number. When new drivers go in for lessons or aim to complete their practice hours, each movement they make sets an example for the independent driver that they will become. Thus, it is essential to relay decision making skills through driver education when one is behind the wheel with a responsible adult. Driver’s education is the making of a driver, and so, it is where responsibility must be taught with every turn of the wheel. It is at this step of driving where a practice such as always looking both ways before a turn can be instilled and can prevent the future accidents of “I didn’t see them coming.”

In addition to fostering open communication and teaching skills to ensure safety, driver’s education enables students to understand the importance of following the rules of the road. With emphasis placed on why these rules exist and why they must be followed, a new driver can get a grasp of their position on the roadway and how they must exercise caution to maintain the security of both passengers in their vehicle and those in others. Where the individuals of our community are taught to share the road, they can be best equipped with practices to make these roads less dangerous. Overall, the effectiveness of driver’s education in minimizing the number of driving-related deaths comes down to its creation of a relationship where students resolve to employ responsibility in their actions by understanding what they are accountable for when driving and where instructors pass down the knowledge that will help the new generation of drivers make the roadway a better place.

Yet, it is not only young or newer drivers who must be reminded of the importance of safety measures and cautious behaviors while driving: veteran drivers make up the majority of the vehicles on the road. Having more experience in many aspects of life, these older citizens should set the perfect example for how to drive conscientiously. Oftentimes, however, this experience is mistaken for an excuse to allow distractions and a laid-back attitude to driving; because they have been driving for such a long time, many people believe that they can handle eating or reaching in the backseat for an item while driving. Yet, it is imperative to comprehend that multitasking behind the wheel is not a test of skill: the fact that one can sip on their drink and talk on the phone while driving is no accomplishment to speak for driving expertise, it is sometimes pure luck and rather often the attentive nature of other drivers on the road that saves such disorder from turning into a fatal crash. Unfortunately, some of my friends and family members are used to dividing their attention while on the road as well and it leaves me feeling worried about our safety in the car. I can remember many incidences where the person in the drivers’ seat became so immersed in conversation that they neglected caution while driving; in the rear seats, I would stare out the windshield wide-eyed to ensure that nothing irregular was happening and my eyes would often dart to the speedometer to confirm that we were going under the speed limit. Such an experience is quite unpleasant as you can witness someone you love take risky actions that endanger your lives.

This problem originates in societal norms regarding vehicle transportation. Being recently introduced to the fast-paced and exhilarating world of car-travel, I can confess to the fact that I too am guilty of giving in to the thrilling rush of speed. When one is behind the drivers’ seat, they find themselves in a position of control: a freedom to pursue a number of adventures – late night drives in the rain, singing trips with friends to the beach, laughter-filled car rides to dinner with family. But whether it be the high-risk exhilaration of a difficult maneuver or the possibility of various ambience, driving is not a foundation for luxury or entertainment endeavors. Instead, driving is a practical solution to travel that yields faster opportunities to our ever changing, technological society. While it is easy to get carried away into the fun of this sport, it is not something to accept into our lives because of its jeopardizing capability. The significant machinery that makes up a car must only be handled with a clear mind as it comes with an obligation to protect others around us. Therefore, raising social awareness is of the essence to develop a ubiquitous understanding that distracted driving can be dangerous and that it is not excusable to consider driving a means of recreation or amusement by disregarding rules and safety concerns.

Furthermore, to reduce the number of driving related deaths in our communities, individuals must undertake the task of adhering to and upholding safety precautions on the road. Everyday citizens play a part by encouraging their companions to be more aware of their surroundings and to make smart decisions. Families can partake in conversations that stress the necessity of managing anger to prevent road rage incidents. And surely, authority figures can call attention to the need for reinforcing infrastructure such as clearer road lanes, brighter road signs, and well placed signals or stop signs for more efficient traffic control. By working together in our society, we can conquer the threat of dangerous roads as everyone can play a part towards this effort. Personally, I realize the immediate need for change and so remain committed to advocating for safer and healthier driving practices by informing my peers of their importance. Step by step, changing the irresponsible mindset that many employ towards driving becomes an easier task through open communication. The next time you get behind the wheel, take a moment to think about who you drive for; no one wants their loved one’s journey to turn into a one way trip.