Road Safety Through Driver Education

Driving education is not just about learning to drive, it’s about having an understanding of road safety to prevent accidents and tragedies. Simple things like adjusting car mirrors, buckling up your seatbelt, and making sure you’re the right distance away from the steering wheel are habits every driver should have. Taking time to make sure everything is right with the car can be the difference between safety and accidents for yourself, passengers, and other drivers. Being a safer driver will also give parents more peace of mind when their children are driving. My dad always tells me to be aware when I’m driving and be safe. At first, I thought he was questioning my driving skills, he clarified that it’s not just about me driving but about the unpredictability of others driving. Other drivers can pose risks and it’s important to be responsible and safe when driving. Sober driving education is also very crucial. Statistics which came from 7,985 trauma patients brought to County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center from 2004 to 2008, revealed that drunk drivers had a 65 percent higher rate of survival than the drivers and passengers who they hurt. Thousands of lives are lost in preventable crashes, a simple decision to find a sober ride home or stay at a friend’s place could have prevented many tragedies. Raising awareness about the consequences of impaired driving is crucial.

To make a difference, many steps can be taken. Enhancing driver education programs, especially for students, is a key step. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers aged 16 and 17 are more likely to be in accidents than any other age group. Also “teen drivers cause more injuries and deaths than other drivers, including injuries to themselves.” This quote shows how educating teens is extremely important. I have noticed a lacked guidance on safe driving at my school. It is something that should be addressed, possibly through informative sessions in auditoriums or making sure teachers share with their classrooms how important safe driving is. This could instill a sense of responsibility in teen drivers. Another effective measure is having more restrictions for new drivers. While there are some existing limitations for new teen drivers, such as not driving with friends during the first year and adhering to a curfew there is more that can be done. Requiring monthly lessons throughout the first year of driving can ensure they are updated with the rules and abiding by them. Drunk driving accounts for nearly one third of all traffic fatalities. Combining strategies of effective law enforcement, education, and community involvement to spread awareness can help to improve safety. Training bartenders to responsibly handle alcohol service and ensuring that visibly intoxicated people don’t drive is a crucial step. Increasing awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, supported by statistics, can help people behave more responsibly.

Although I’ve been fortunate enough to have never been in an accident, my mother was. Years ago, she was coming home from work when she was involved in an accident. I vividly remember the night; I was in third grade, at home with my dad when the phone rang. The sudden change in my dad’s expression as he spoke on the phone was enough to make my heart race. He grabbed his keys and told me my mom was in an accident. I have a younger sister, when she asked where our dad was going, I couldn’t help but cry. Thankfully, my mom survived and recovered. The other driver was on her phone, not paying attention, and it could have cost my mom’s life. More recently, I’ve had to witness a family member struggling with alcohol addiction. They used to pick me up from school, and I could tell they were drunk. They would often arrive late and I knew it wasn’t safe. I vividly remember one incident; we were at a restaurant with a close friend, they started arguing and we left. They drove my sister and me home, which was about 20 minutes away, and they were very intoxicated. I was scared and didn’t know what to do. Whenever their addiction is brought up, they react angrily, and deny that they have a problem so no matter how many times they are told what they are doing is wrong they don’t listen. Sometimes we make sure the keys are hidden or their car is blocked in so they don’t leave. Thinking about that car ride and how I felt reminds me to be careful and vigilant about others on the road.

To become a better and safer driver, I can invest a few extra minutes before each drive to inspect my vehicle, making sure everything is working good. I’ve also started being prepared for emergencies such as keeping items in the car like a first-aid kit, flashlight to be prepared but I can still do more. Understanding the meaning of various dashboard warning lights is another key to being a responsible driver. This knowledge allows me to make informed decisions about the safety of my vehicle and whether I should seek immediate assistance for my car.

In summary, driver education is pivotal in reducing driving-related deaths by instilling knowledge for safe and responsible driving. It involves simple safety practices and a deep understanding of consequences of impaired driving. By enhancing driving education programs, imposing restrictions on new drivers, and addressing drunk driving through various strategies are essential in making sure people are driving safer on the roads. As an individual, I am committed to becoming a safer driving through regular vehicle inspections, emergency preparedness, and understanding dashboard indicators. Ultimately it is important to make sure responsible driving is a collective effort that could save lives and prevent accidents.