In the Driver’s Seat

In a split second, I found myself in a seemingly choreographed slow-motion symphony of chaos…..

From the second row inside the tan Lincoln Navigator, the world seemed vast and towering from my small vantage point. As we approached a rather boring, uneventful intersection, on the way home from the grocery store, the Navigator surged forward at its regular pace going through a green light. The gentle hum of the engine provided a soothing soundtrack to the momentary stillness that enveloped the vehicle. In an instant, time seemed to slow down as  a small black Toyota sedan darted from the opposing side, attempting to make a left-hand turn without sufficient time to clear the intersection. The Navigator and Toyota sedan converged on a collision course.The two met with a loud, jarring impact. Groceries were thrown from the trunk above my head.  My gadgets flew around the vehicle.  Metal crumpled and glass shattered. The force of the collision sent shockwaves rippling through the SUV.  The luxurious interior that previously cocooned me in comfort, cushioning any jolts or bumps, gave way to a new reality, even though I remained securely strapped into my seat. The screeching of tires  and suffocation from smoke filling the air, an unsettling background that clashed with the normally serene ambiance of the SUV’s interior. 

As the dust settled and the commotion subsided, a somber silence hung in the air. The once-imposing Lincoln Navigator now bore the scars of the unexpected encounter, its exterior marred by the collision. The small black Toyota sedan, too, sat there, its side completely crushed, a testimony to the abrupt and unforgiving nature of the accident. Though the only serious damage was that which was done to the vehicles involved, the experience left an indelible mark on my memory. It served as a reminder that even in the spacious comfort of a Lincoln Navigator, surrounded by the reassuring presence of safety features and an otherwise dependable drive, the unpredictability of life can still find a way to disrupt our journey. I am well aware of how that story could have ended differently and worse….

Automobile accidents continue to be a significant cause of mortality nationwide. In fact, car crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-18 year olds, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  Driver education helps avoid automobile-involved deaths.  It  provides essential knowledge and skills to empower drivers to make safe decisions while driving. Through the hands-on teaching of  defensive driving techniques, thoroughly explaining traffic rules, and emphasizing responsible attitudes prepares drivers for the multitude of situations they will encounter while driving. 

Automobile accidents are preventable.  Northern European countries, such as Norway and Germany tend to have the lowest road death rates;  roughly 2.7  road deaths per year for every 100,000 people, while the global average is around 18.6 road deaths per year.  One thing northern European countries do to lower road deaths is to heavily invest in extensive, thorough, and mandatory driver’s education curriculum, which takes place over the course of roughly 10 weeks and covers topics such as hazard perception, defensive driving, and first aid.  Additionally, drivers have to have their driving performance re-evaluated every few years by a driving instructor through both a theoretical exam and driver test to keep their license. Testing to maintain a driver’s license makes driving a lifelong learning event to keep skills sharp and roads safe. 

Defensive driving helps make drivers aware of the immediate surroundings. This takes into consideration road conditions as well as being attentive to the actions of nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists and position myself in safe following distance to their actions.  Driving is interdependent; it is not enough for me to be properly trained in how to operate my motor vehicle, I must also be able to quickly and properly react to others who may engage in reckless or distracted activities on a shared road.  This reduces the likelihood of being involved in an accident caused by others.

 

As a driver, I can become a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road by complying with traffic laws, avoiding impairment, and being courteous. By not rushing or allowing myself to be rushed by impatient drivers, I am able to avoid reckless behavior.  When I stayed in Japan, it wasn’t illegal for people to not wear their seat belts when in the car.  I always wore my seatbelt and encouraged others to do so as well, even when it was an unpopular, but practical choice.  CDC Research shows that seat belts reduce serious injuries and deaths by approximately 50%. Recently, more communities have found themselves grappling with drug and alcohol abuse, fentanyl poisoning, and the legalization of marijuana. Drug use has unfortunately become a large part of American culture. It is crucial to avoid use of alcohol, drugs, and any other substance that could cause impairment. Such substances compromise decision making skills as well as driving ability. By refraining from impaired driving, individuals contribute to road safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

Driver education plays a crucial role in reducing deaths resulting from driving. By providing knowledge, skills, and promoting responsible attitudes, driver education programs contribute to safer roads. Compliance with traffic laws, avoiding impairment, and practicing defensive driving are effective steps to reduce driving-related fatalities. As individuals, we can enhance road safety by continually learning how to become better drivers and promoting responsible driving practices among our peers. By prioritizing driver education and adopting safe driving behaviors, we can collectively work towards minimizing automobile accidents.