The Importance of Quality Driver’s Education

Driver education plays a pivotal role in reducing the number of deaths resulting from driving-related incidents. The roads are a shared space, and the safety of all individuals using them depends on the knowledge, skills, and responsible behavior of drivers. Unfortunately, many drivers are uneducated and irresponsible. As someone who drives daily, I see many drivers who are reckless, rude, or apathetic to the safety of others. To counteract this, driver education should emphasize the importance of risk assessment and defensive driving strategies. Drivers should be taught to anticipate potential hazards, recognize dangerous situations, and respond proactively to mitigate risks. If done correctly, these skills can help prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.

Beyond technical skills, driver education fosters responsible and ethical behavior on the road. Concepts such as patience, courtesy, and respect for other road users are integral components of driver education. Additionally, by raising awareness about the severe consequences of impaired driving, education can deter individuals from engaging in such risky behavior, ultimately reducing the number of accidents and fatalities. Instilling a sense of responsibility and empathy among drivers contributes to a safer driving culture. It only takes one video of a family who has lost their loved one to a car crash, or one frightening statistic to change someone’s driving habits. When I took a driver’s ed course before getting my permit, we watched videos that made me cry, my heart heavy with the loss that was so avoidable. All new drivers should be a little scared, and recognize the weight of what they are doing.

Reducing the number of deaths related to driving requires a multi-faceted approach that involves individuals, communities, and policymakers. By improving road quality and upkeep, we can make it easier for people to be safe drivers. Although these already exist, increasing the marketing for incentives for safe driving practices, such as reduced insurance premiums for drivers with a clean record or discounts for completing defensive driving courses is an encouragement for individuals to adopt and maintain safe behaviors. Continuous learning is one of the most promising pathways for me. I have seen this even with my parents; they haven’t had to take a driving test or driver’s ed in decades so they have gotten used to speeding and reckless driving, as well as not being up to date on new traffic laws and guidelines. People should be required to attend refresher courses or defensive driving classes to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Things like speeding, driving under the influence, and distracted driving are all dangers we should be avoiding, and I think there should be mandatory learning in schools that educates students about the terrifying statistics they face when they do things like text while driving. Educating teenagers about the danger in a way that speaks to them and clues them in on the very real threat will help keep our roads safe. The main cause of death for teenagers and emerging adults is accidents, and by making it mandatory to learn about responsible driving, both drivers and non-drivers can learn how to be safe around cars. Even teens who don’t drive can learn that if they’re in a car being driven by someone who’s under the influence or on their phone, everyone is at a greater risk for injury or death, and should get out immediately.

I have thankfully never been in a car accident, but I have seen friends and family drive irresponsibly. I have called my parents out for reckless driving before and seen how they speed. As mentioned before, they have been driving for so long that they do it without thinking, even though it is something that requires continuous concentration. The older I get, the more people I drive and am driven by, and all of my friends are good drivers and I feel safe with them. However, I once met someone who was a friend of a friend and I let them drive me. I did check with my friend first and they said she was a good driver, but I disagreed after being in the car with her. I have vowed to never let her drive me again, as I’ve heard too many stories from family and friends about their loved ones being injured or killed by cars.

Some things I do to be a safe driver are to always stay alert, set up my music before I drive, allow extra time whenever I drive somewhere so that I don’t have to speed, and build good habits around driving like always using my blinker, and checking my mirrors before I drive. I was lucky enough to take a wonderful online driver’s ed course that prepared me very well. One quote from my teacher that I tell people is “Every time you drive, you are using a weapon of mass destruction. Never forget that.”. I never have forgotten and never will.