Knowledge is Power

Driver education stands as a crucial tool in the ongoing battle to reduce the staggering number of driving-related deaths because so many of those accidents are preventable with just a little more knowledge. Informed drivers are empowered to make safer choices behind the wheel, from things such as understanding the perils of distracted driving (which emcompasses activities that take not just your eyes off the road, but also your mental focus) to the life-saving significance of seatbelt usage. Proper education equips individuals with the knowledge necessary to drive responsibly, meaning that everyone is just one step away from having the power to take control of their own futures, as well as others around them, and help increase the life expectancy of thousands.

And this number of “thousands” is no understatement, for the statistics surrounding driving-related deaths are sobering. But perhaps even more heartbreaking are the personal stories that underscore the importance of driver education which have shaped how countless people, myself included, navigate driving after someone was too soon taken from our world. I vividly recall the day in second grade when my teacher had to sit my class down and tell us that a fellow second grader, someone I had known since kindergarten, had tragically lost her life in a car crash. Someone so young no longer had a future and it was such a difficult thing to grapple with as eight year olds, for what made us different in deserving to live when she was stripped of that right? Her death, which was caused by a car swerving off the road and colliding with a tree as well as a lack of seat belts, is a clear illustration of the preventable nature of many driving accidents and the deaths associated with them. For the instance of my friend, Isabella, her mother and uncle also lost their lives that day, and I am still brought to tears even to this day of just wondering what it would be like if she could be preparing to walk across the stage at graduation alongside me.

The memory of that day remains forever in my mind, serving as the primary reason for my unwavering belief and advocacy for road safety. I believe that my sentiment, which is shared by many who have been touched by similar tragedies, is only the building ground for the education that needs to occur to truly put the power back into people’s hands. Governmental and organizational bodies need to initiate widespread campaigns aimed at disseminating critical information regarding safe driving practices for this is an issue that can be spread so easily by word of mouth, if only there is something that is done to help reach more people. Every person that would see one of the campaigns about the horrors of driving accidents, and realize that they are not above succumbing to something along those lines, will internalize the information of how to prevent it, and then spread it to their loved ones to help make sure they are safe as well.

This education would be able to provide individuals with the ability to recognize the various forms of distracted driving, as well as a deeper understanding of the consequences. Whether it be texting behind the wheel, adjusting the radio, or engaging in enthusiastic conversation with passengers, any activity that takes one’s attention from the tasks of driving increases the likelihood of accidents which is, unfortunately, not well known despite the horrible results. One example I have always recalled that demonstrates how effective this can be is an ad that was played on TV a couple years ago. It included these two sisters who were arguing with each other and had their dad on the phone while he was driving. It ends with the father being involved in an accident, and the two daughter’s reactions. It was heartbreaking but made myself even more aware of what I am doing if someone else is driving, even if I am not directly involving the driver. More campaigns such as this one, covering a myriad of topics that can help prevent the loss of lives, including even ways to regain control of a car if one was to lose control due to icey roads, are the tools that I am referring to that the government, and other large organizations, need to use to take a more active role in spreading for they have the largest chance of reaching thousands, if not millions, of more people.

Especially as a young driver myself at the age of 18, I am acutely aware of the profound impact that education and awareness can have on behavior behind the wheel. I have always made a conscious effort to adopt safer driving habits, especially because I know I am a role model for people that I give rides to, particularly to those that are younger than me and are getting ready to get a driver’s license themself. I always eliminate distractions, such as keeping my phone out of sight and limiting noise within the vehicle, and I will also refuse to drive if a passenger is doing something such as not wearing a seatbelt. I try to set a positive example through my own adherence to safe driving practices so that when they are eventually behind the wheel, they know that safe driving is not just looking at the road, but rather so much more. This is the influence that I believe having more widespread campaigns can achieve, creating more individuals who want to be that positive role model which creates a younger generation where it is never even an option to be unsafe for they possess the knowledge, and the consequential power, to do so. Through concerted efforts on both individual and societal levels, we can strive to create a safer and more responsible driving environment for all.