Stop! Really Pay Attention

Olivia Ward

March 30, 2020

Drivers ed
Initiative 2020: In the Driver’s Seat

Before getting
married, counseling is provided. Before starting a new job, training
is provided. Before a person is allowed to legally operate a vehicle,
drivers ed is provided. Drivers ed is important
because it equips students with the necessary tools to become a safe
driver. It would be irresponsible, and a major liability, not to
provide such education. With the number of driving related deaths
each year, it is important that safety education continues with the
ultimate goal of improving driving environments.

I believe the deaths
related to driving can be reduced once the topic of dangerous driving
regains its sensitivity. We have heard about the dangers of drinking
and driving as well as distracted driving for years; however, the
numbers show that these stories have become simply stories instead of
warnings. It has been established that the drivers ed
curriculum is dated. So, let’s think, what type of learning
environments are beneficial? I think of a room full of dialogue and
personal stories. I was taught the importance of wearing a seat belt,
but the reality set in when two of my friends were involved in a car
accident. The deciding factor, of which one lived and which one did
not, was determined by who was wearing their seat belt. He was less
than a month away from his 19th birthday. I think what a difference
it would make to have engaging content taught by energetic
instructors.

Of no fault to the
drivers ed program, maybe part of the issue is how driver
education is viewed. I believe many students see drivers ed as
something they have to do in order to receive something they want,
but what if it was viewed as yellow caution tape instead. Thankfully,
we all have a role in shifting this narrative. This is not an issue a
drivers ed program is tasked with fixing as students spend
little time with instructors. Time spent among family, friends,
teachers and community leaders is far greater, and it is the
responsibility of us all to instill the importance of driver
education in each other.

An area of safe
driving I believe is often excluded from conversations is the
importance of preparation. How many times have we forgotten to look
up, ahead of time, how long a commute will take? How many times have
we not built in an extra ten minutes to get gas along the way? How
many times has our lack of preparation caused us to speed, take a
chance on a red late or caused an accident? I have been guilty of not
preparing many times, and I have received a couple of speeding
tickets as a result. It is important for drivers to understand
responsible driving starts before one gets in the car. The
implications of being unprepared are many, and hurry impedes our
ability to make sound decisions. If we want the privilege of driving
and the joys that come with it, we cannot deny the dangers either.