Drive Wise, Save Lives

“This is not a toy, this is a machine that kills thousands of people a year,” said my father when he took me driving for the first time. Both of my parents are police officers, with almost half a decade of combined experience. As you know on a day to day basis they have seen many accidents and fatalities from vehicles, all preventable with proper driver education, they have seen it all.

They have witnessed people hydroplaning, sliding on ice, drunk driving incidents, and much more, all preventable scenarios discussed in driver education courses. A car is a powerful tool used worldwide, allowing humans to travel at higher speeds. However, despite its complexity, human error often causes lasting damage. Choosing to drive faster or ignoring signs for convenience showcases the need for driving education to understand the consequences of these decisions.

Driving education prepares us to handle complex situations to avoid unnecessary accidents. For instance, at a 4-way stop with multiple cars arriving simultaneously, only with driver education can everyone effectively navigate this situation without verbal communication. Lack of education leading to someone driving out of turn might cause collisions resulting in physical and monetary damages. Similarly, understanding how to handle adverse conditions like wet roads, driving slower, and braking gently to avoid hydroplaning is crucial. Without this knowledge, unaware drivers might cause multiple collisions or fatalities due to their inability to handle slick roads.

Driving education teaches individuals how to handle other adverse conditions, such as breaking down on the side of the road. Without this education, individuals may feel flustered and struggle to communicate with other drivers or perform routine maintenance, which is essential to prevent breakdowns.

The vast majority of accidents are caused by human error, which can be prevented if individuals assess their state before starting the engine. Are you frustrated? Are you tired? Are you driving for adrenaline? Are you in a rush? These are some of the simple questions I was taught in driving school to ask myself before starting my engine. Regulating emotions is crucial when driving. Having a bad day is not a valid reason to cause an accident, and allowing emotions to dictate actions could lead to serious mistakes. Emotional distractions may take attention away from the road or lead someone to dwell on a previous situation. Even boredom could tempt someone to text and drive, but with proper driving education, individuals should think twice before doing so.

In my last year of high school, an underclassman, Amari Kelly, passed away in a road accident at 16 years old. He was driven by an 18-year-old friend, not wearing a seat belt. Witnessing the impact of his loss on our community made me ponder if proper education could have made a difference. Education could have been crucial for those drivers and potentially saved a life by emphasizing the importance of seat belt usage.

Many of my peers treat their vehicles as toys, racing, modifying parts, and driving recklessly. Racing might seem enjoyable, but without proper training and a controlled environment, it poses risks not only to themselves but to innocent bystanders. Cars aren’t like Legos; modifying parts without expertise can compromise the vehicle’s stability. Educated drivers understand the effects of their decisions on others and know when and where it’s safe to enjoy the thrill of driving.

Proper education equips individuals to prevent accidents, effectively communicate with other drivers, handle adverse conditions, and maintain their vehicles. Utilizing driving education could positively impact numerous lives. Cars can be enjoyable within the bounds of rules and safety, a lesson taught by driving education. It changes and saves lives.

Driving education isn’t solely about passing a test; it’s about understanding the responsibility that comes with operating a vehicle. Education is key in preventing accidents that often lead to hospitalization. It teaches effective communication with other drivers and equips individuals to handle adverse driving conditions. Moreover, it imparts the knowledge necessary to prevent and manage adverse vehicle-related situations.

If more individuals applied their driving education, it could profoundly impact lives. Cars can be both fun and enjoyable while adhering to rules and safety measures. Driving education demonstrates how to achieve this balance. It’s a transformative force that not only changes lives but also saves them.

In essence, driving education is an investment in safety, responsibility, and a commitment to a safer, more conscientious road culture. The impact of education in the realm of driving extends far beyond personal convenience—it’s a vital tool in ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities alike.