Driver Education Initiative – Driving: A Double-Edged Sword

Driver’s
education preaches that driving is a privilege while teenagers
believe it’s a right. Teenagers undergo the greatest neurological
development at the same time that they learn driving. They become
overconfident, impulsive, and rebellious and are a detriment to
others. Studies show teenagers are four times more likely to crash in
a single mile than an adult. Hence, driving is the leading cause of
teenage death in America. Drivers ed can greatly reduce
these risks by encouraging positive and stimulating face-to-face
interactions which cement the information instructors convey.
Learning signs and how to maneuver a vehicle can come from anyone;
however, drivers ed offers an edge because it informs
teenagers of the laws, provides hands-on experience, alerts several
drivers of its consequences like incarceration, and offers continuous
learning that can reduce the number of deaths from driving.

Standardizing devices such as ignition interlocks and CellControl in
vehicles to minimize internal distractions promotes safer driving and
can ultimately reduce casualties from driving. Additionally, if
driving school was standardized for new drivers, several would reap
its benefits: namely, effective practice and mentors who provide
insight regarding the complexities of driving. Lastly, enforcing
already existing laws, such as punishment for driving under the
influence and zero-tolerance for underaged drinking while driving,
and promoting social change can endorse safer driving and reduce
driving fatalities. Existing laws strictly enforce consequences and
act as an effective countermeasure against unsafe driving. Moreover,
broadcasting the financial, legal, and life-altering effects of
driving in public facilities can reduce driving-related deaths.
Government-funded community enrichment programs wield similar
potential.

As for personal
experience, my mother, little brother, and I were involved in a car
crash when I was twelve. Mild injuries were incurred but thankfully
nobody was seriously hurt, including the other driver. However, my
mother developed physical trauma that lasted for two years. While I
was initially frightened by the near-death experience, I have come to
value it as a life lesson because I witnessed what could happen if
someone wasn’t paying attention to the road. Moreover, this event
spoke to me about the burdens of car accidents because the crash was
not my family’s fault, but the financial compensation we received
was insufficient for our medical and legal expenses and a new car.
This experience urges me to be a more observant driver.

Some practices
drivers like myself an utilize are obeying the law, whether it’s
the speed limit, knowing where to drive, or giving pedestrians and
bicyclists priority; not driving when overcome with emotions;
avoiding internal distractions; and being cognizant of the road in
case of obstacles, emergency vehicles, signs, and lights. Most
importantly, drivers must understand that unsafe driving is a choice;
therefore, to avoid it, they must consider the dangers for themselves
and others, and make the socially beneficial decision to drive safer.
Although driving is a leading cause of death in America, it can be
curbed if drivers nationwide abide by safe driving practices and
consider everyone’s safety on the road.