Driver Education Initiative – In the Driver’s Seat

Since
my eighth grade year, my school has been touched by driving related
death. On November twentieth of this year, my school was devastated
to learn over class announcements that a former classmate was killed
the previous day in a high-speed crash. An online news article later
revealed disturbing photographs of the student’s totaled truck on
the highway. He rear-ended a flat bed truck with so much force that
the flat bed, in turn, rear-ended another vehicle. This event
reminded me of my driving instructor’s and my parents’ words
regarding distractions that prove detrimental to new drivers.

Distracted
driving is one of the leading causes of driving related deaths. It is
essential therefore, that drivers become educated about common
distractions and how to combat these dangers. It is no secret that
cell phones are a major source of driving distraction. The question
however, is how can the threat of cell phone use by drivers be
reduced? One simple way to reduce driving related fatalities is to
put the phone away when behind the wheel. In order to do this,
drivers can be required to read classroom materials describing the
dangers of cell phones, but simply reading does not require practical
application.

Throughout
my experience in drivers ed, I learned best by doing. Education
through experience is emphasized in Michigan’s instructor and
guardian supervised driving requirements and I found that actual
driving has perfectly complimented my in-class study and discussion.
Driving with experienced witnesses in the car has helped me develop
safe habits, such as silencing and putting away my cell phone to
reduce in-car distraction. Additionally, my guardian passengers have
alerted me to potentially dangerous situations, helping me to avoid
and react responsibly. Without this supervision, important driving
concepts such as safely navigating unimproved gravel roads and how to
handle wildlife encounters would have been unknown to me.

Recording
my driving time over the past year has felt a bit tedious, but I know
that the time I have spent with safe, experienced drivers has
provided valuable insights and wisdom. Therefore, reducing the
initial driving age requirement for drivers accompanied by guardians
with “perfect” driving records would be beneficial, as it would
better ensure that new drivers are taught by those with the best of
experience and habits. Guardian drivers with accident and ticket free
driving experience provide better guidance and advice to new drivers.
As I prepare to drive on my own, I will continue with the habits I
established under the guidance of experienced guardians and will
encourage others to establish similar habits to provide for a less
distracted generation of drivers.