Relevance of Driver’s Education

Did you know that around the world every single day there are close to 3,700 people killed in a wreck involving a motorized vehicle, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This means 1.35 million people are killed annually. As I begin to start my future away from my parents, it has become a great priority of mine to educate myself and those around me on the importance of driver safety.

From an early age, my parents began educating my siblings and I on what it means to be a good driver. My family has experienced countless encounters of not only automobile crashes, but also automobile related deaths among family members and close family friends. My parents have always shared the story with my siblings and me of a family friend’s near-death experience of being run over by a car. Our family friend was studying abroad for a semester during college when he walked across the street with the right of way and was struck by a car head on. The car failed to stop and ran over our friend causing lifelong injuries. Hearing this story, I knew as a driver I would make it my mission to be attentive, aware, and focused. There are certain steps I take even before I switch my gear shift into drive that allow me to focus strictly on the road. When I first sit in my car, I put my music on a playlist. This allows me to not think about changing my music or radio station when I am driving. The next step I take is to put my phone away; I am a firm believer of the motto “out of sight, out of mind.” Finally, I am ready to put my seatbelt on and start driving without 21^st century distractions. There are a number of actions that need to be taken as a driver to save the life of someone on the streets.

As a teenager myself, I am aware of the reckless decisions many of my peers make, especially when it comes to driving. The National Safety Council reports a total of 5,565 deaths in 2021 due to teenage drivers. The younger generation can learn how to be responsible drivers with proper education. I firmly believe one of the most substantial benefits to safe driving is to take driver’s education. This allows a new driver to become comfortable and familiar with an automobile from the beginning. A way we could ensure students have access to driver’s education would be to implement the program into all school systems. Providing this course as an elective class starting as early as 8^th grade would benefit many students greatly. Oftentimes, young drivers do not use this resource due to lack of time or knowledge of its existence. Providing students with driver’s education in school would give students the allotted hour needed each day for the class. Another step that would be proactive in reducing the number of deaths due to driving is to retest drivers every few years. Rules change in every aspect of life, even in driving. Providing a follow up of the online driving test allows drivers of all ages to be aware of the new driving safety tactics and keeps older information relevant in our minds.

Driving education has always been prevalent in my life. However, until recently I was not aware of the significance that trauma has on one. My very best friend, Phoebe, was involved in a traumatic car accident a few weeks ago. Until you or someone you are close to is affected by an automobile accident, you don’t understand how important driver safety is. Phoebe’s accident occurred very shortly after Daylight Savings. She had just received the green arrow at a busy intersection in our hometown, and as she began to turn, she was hit by an intoxicated driver. The driver who hit her was going 60 miles per hour in a 40 miles per hour zone. After a night in the hospital, she was able to return home, but the trauma she faced from the wreck did not stop there. Phoebe has been very open about her experience, and the challenges she now faces as a driver herself. She is fearful of other drivers on the road and experiences a heavy amount of driving anxiety. Seeing someone old enough to drink still act reckless truly opened my eyes to the irresponsible behaviors that come with driving when intoxicated. Driving under the influence is a danger to you, your passengers, and others on the road. The United States Department of Transportation states that every thirty-nine minutes one person dies in the United States due to drunk driving. To stop what feels like a never-ending battle, we must educate our society on resources readily available. Companies such as Uber and Lyft have become extremely popular in the last few years; these services help to keep our roads safe from reckless driving, especially after a night out.

At the end of the day, accidents will happen. We put ourselves at risk every time we sit in a car; however, there are many steps we can take to reduce the number of automobile crashes. By being an awake, sober, and alert driver, you could save someone’s life.