The Importance of Ongoing Driver Education

Since the first car was invented in 1886, driving has become an irreplaceable part of our society. It has evolved from a technological wonder to an emblem of the 20th century to a necessity of modern life. Every day, millions of Americans grab their keys, jump in the driver’s seat, and revel in the idea that their car can take them wherever they want to go. But our society’s newfound comfort with driving has also heightened many of its dangers. It seems as though more and more people have become ambivalent about safe driving, believing that they will be an exception to the growing number of driver accidents and deaths. However, sheer faith alone is not enough to make our roads safer. Instead, an emphasis must be placed on driver education to properly teach individuals the rules of the road and how to drive securely.

While I’ve never been in a car accident or seen my family drive irresponsibly, I have seen the effects of reckless driving on those I care about. Three years ago, a close family friend named Ryan was in a horrible car accident that deeply impacted him. A speeding car ran a red light and crashed into him, leaving him with long-lasting physical and mental injuries. His spine and back were badly damaged, requiring fourteen surgeries and extensive physical therapy. He also got PTSD from the incident and was unable to get into a vehicle for several months after the crash. A lifelong firefighter, Ryan has been through some terrifying experiences; however, the thing he gets the most nightmares about is that crash. Another family that I’ve known my entire life was similarly impacted by an accident that was not their fault. They moved from California to Louisiana and the first morning in their new house – which was right off of a major street – a car crashed into them while they were pulling out of their home. Their car was hit off the road and rolled into the middle of their front garden. One of the parents, Michelle, did not feel safe enough to get in a car for weeks, and she felt overwhelming anxiety whenever her wife or daughter would go for a drive. These families have been a part of my life since I could remember, and it was heartbreaking to see the pain they both experienced because of other drivers’ actions. Through the stories they’ve shared, I’ve seen the horrible impacts of being in a car accident, and I understand that the aftermath is often more serious than simply a dented bumper. Someone who drives unsafely is a threat to themselves and others, meaning it is essential to create good drivers and reduce the risk of harmful incidents like those experienced by my family friends.

Driver’s education is vital since it is the only way for individuals to decrease their likelihood of getting into an accident. In 2023, we are fortunate enough to live in a time where millions of cars have safety features that can help prevent accidents from occurring. However, these won’t save you if you’re a bad driver, and they can’t teach you the rules of the road if you don’t know them. This knowledge comes from learning all the important aspects of driving, such as blind spots, right-of-way rules, and proper road etiquette. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each individual to maintain their driving skills through learning. Driver education ensures that drivers are informed and well-educated, providing them with the independent skills required to drive safely and avoid careless mistakes. They also then have the skills required to protect themselves if someone who is not well-educated is driving dangerously. Drivers cannot always rely on automobile features to help keep them safe; rather, they must possess the individual know-how to protect themselves if things on the road become unsafe, and this skill is only attained through ongoing education.

There are several ways that I can help myself and others become safer drivers. To begin, I could help myself be a better driver by periodically reviewing my state’s Driver’s Handbook. I took my driver’s test a little over a year ago, and I’ve forgotten some of the rules I haven’t had to use, such as how to interact with a police officer if I get pulled over. I realize that this puts me in an unfavorable position if and when I’m ever in this situation. I know that any information I need is in the Handbook, so it would be extremely helpful for me to review anything I’m unsure about. I could even put an annual reminder in my calendar to review my state’s Handbook so that I stay on top of the laws and practices I am required to know. I can then begin to help others become safer drivers by recommending a similar annual “review time” to help encourage accountability. Additionally, I could create a Driver Education club at school. I could put up posters about the dangers that come with driving and little lessons on how to be a safe driver. Club posters are really popular at my school, so I’m confident something like this would be noticed and well-received. This club could also host lunchtime games and quizzes that are all connected to driver education. These would be fun activities so people stay engaged, but the main objective would be to teach and remind students of the essential rules of the road. By organizing widespread outreach like this, I could help a large group of teenagers stay informed and up to date on how to drive safely.

When a teenager is first learning how to drive, adults emphasize the importance of driving safely and avoiding accidents. However, people who have their license still drive dangerously, and the statistics regarding the number of deaths are worrisome. In my home state of California, for example, the Office of Traffic Safety reported that traffic fatalities increased by approximately 7.6% from 2020 to 2021. By practicing some of the simplest driving rules, it is possible to reduce the number of automobile-related deaths. For instance, it is critical to follow proper signage, such as coming to a full stop at stop signs and giving the right of way at yield signs to the appropriate cars. Drivers should never run red lights, and they should not speed up when a yellow light appears. Similarly, while people often feel comfortable going faster than the speed limit, drivers should follow speed limit requirements. These simple practices can prevent collisions at stoplights, reckless driving, and the loss of control from speeding. Small steps like these – which often rely on the driver’s self-control – can help avert fatal accidents. It may seem redundant, but adhering to the basic rules of the road can prevent horrible incidents that would not have otherwise happened if all drivers were being safe. Following these simple but essential steps can make our roads safer and help reduce the number of deaths related to driving.

Although driving is an indispensable part of our society, our roads are still extremely dangerous and often cause accidents and death. To make our streets safer, ongoing driver education must be emphasized. By knowing the rules of the road, drivers are more able to protect themselves and others in critical situations. Good drivers understand the laws and etiquette of the road well, and by practicing the most essential skills, they help prevent driving-related deaths. More than fancy car gadgets or sheer faith alone, driver education promotes secure driving and safer roads.