The Human Cost of Irresponsible Driving

From our daily commutes to work to the labor that upholds international supply chains, driving is one of the most essential skills in the modern world. Without a population of knowledgeable and confident drivers, everything from our national postal service to a pizza delivery would be a logistical nightmare! Therefore, a quality driver’s education is not only a personal venture, but really an investment into the backbone of our nation’s commercial systems.

However, there can also be tragic human consequences when our actions on the road are ignorant of the presence and safety of others. According to a report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 42,939 people died as a result of motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021. With this in mind, it can be easier to write off the majority of these cases as pure incompetence and/or inexperience behind the wheel. However, the same report also concluded that, out of the total number of fatalities, there were 13,384 deaths from drunk-driving. This means that about 31% of driving-related fatalities in 2021 were caused by instances of a DUI, reflecting a much more blatant negligence and disregard for the safety of others on the road.

To me, driver’s ed isn’t just a dive into the basic mechanical and operating functions of a vehicle. In my opinion, its primary service in today’s world is to remind us that our actions behind the wheel have consequences beyond the wheel. When we are surrounded by distractions such as cell phones, it is imperative that our drivers maintain a smart and confident mindset on the road. For instance, by teaching our students about the human stories behind laws such as Scott’s Law (named in honor of Lt. Scott Gillen, who was killed while responding to an expressway collision), which requires drivers to change lanes and reduce their speed when passing stationary emergency vehicles in the state of Illinois, we can inform our drivers’ understanding as to why our traffic laws exist. Instead of just learning about our road systems from a textbook, a quality driver’s education program consistently demonstrates why and how one should drive defensively and with common sense. We are all reminded that driving under the influence is a dangerous and irresponsible offense, but a quality driver’s education program highlights the methods of dealing with peer pressure and the solutions to avoiding unsuitable and possibly lethal driving conditions. Just as one must learn how to turn on the windshield wipers during a rainstorm, it is essential that our driving skills include self-control and environmental awareness when operating a vehicle.

Ultimately, when you decide to drive, you are entering a social environment, where you must efficiently relay and receive information to and from other drivers. This is why another aspect of a beneficial driver’s ed program includes extensive, behind-the-wheel experience. Outside the planning stage of the classroom, you need to know how to get from Point A to Point B safely. For instance, you need to be comfortable with always using a proper turn signal when making a turn or a lane change. When encountering a 4-way stop, you need to understand when to yield and when you have the right-of-way. Even if you make a mistake, learning to respond to unfavorable conditions and control emotions associated with road rage is an essential product of a driver’s education. By developing these skills through first-hand experience, one can avoid the detrimental human costs of dangerous and irresponsible driving.

When it comes to the importance of safe driving, I have a personal interest. My father is a truck driver and someone whose livelihood depends on driving a semi-trailer for miles every day. Although he has the skillset and experience of a defensive driver, he has had to share the road with irresponsible and reckless drivers. Furthermore, he has known fellow workers who have passed away due to traffic collisions. With his guidance and driving experience, my dad continues to inspire me to drive defensively and with common sense.

For most situations, your commute can be broken down into three stages: planning your commute, the drive to your destination, and the drive back from your destination.

First, it is important that you plan ahead of your trip, especially if you are driving long-distance. For instance, I always use a navigation app (ex. Google Maps) if I am unsure of which roads I should use to efficiently arrive at my destination. Even if you are going to drive through a familiar area, you should always look out for weather alerts or news relating to traffic incidents in your area. Furthermore, if you feel that conditions aren’t safe, you are correct! Never get behind the wheel if you are unsure of your ability to drive safely. Ultimately, in order to reduce any anxiousness or indecisiveness behind the wheel, it is always advisable to plan ahead.

Second, before I begin my drive, I always make sure to send or respond to any texts in advance, so that I am not distracted on the road. Once you are ready to drive, you should keep in mind that you are in control of the vehicle. It is your responsibility to be attentive and respond accordingly to any obstacles you may face on your commute (ex. construction detour, merging lanes etc.). This also means that you shouldn’t let other drivers distract you or dictate how you drive. Once again, if I don’t feel comfortable driving through a certain intersection or road, I will plan a route that avoids those areas. Finally, remember to leave plenty of time for yourself to reach your destination safely. In effect, if I ever get nervous or anxious behind the wheel, I can reassure myself that I am not in a rush and that I am in full control of my commute.

Lastly, if you feel unable to return from your destination, you can always call an Uber or a trusted family member or friend to drive you from your destination. If you don’t have a good gut feeling at any point during your trip, don’t hesitate to pull over and/or take a break.

Vehicles are an essential innovation in our society, but we must all remember to use them wisely and responsibly. If you do, you can save a life.