In the Driver’s Seat Essay

Driver education is commonly accepted to be a crucial piece in automobile safety among young drivers. Driver education courses educate young drivers on safe driving procedures. It provides a safe environment for young drivers to learn how to manage a car properly, effectively, and safely. Driver education also allows young drivers to learn the rules of the road. Recent studies show however that driver education is not as effective as it intends to be. “Is driver education contributing towards road safety? a systematic review of systematic reviews”, an investigation done by Maryam Akbari, Kamran B. Lankarani, Seyed Taghi Heydari, Seyed Abbas Motevalian, Reza Tabrizic, and Mark J.M. Sullmand, demonstrates that the focus of driver education may not lend itself well to injury or death prevention in car crashes¹. Typically, the focus of driver education is the proper way to manage a car, or the rules of the road, with little focus on risky or unsafe behaviors, according to the article. The authors believe that more focus on unsafe or risky behaviors would lead to the decrease in car crashes. There is not data or research to support this claim, though I think it is a very interesting concept. I believe that it would be beneficial for driver education courses to focus on specific incident recovery. During my driver education course, there was a section on how to recover once you enter a skid, and what to do if your brakes go out. I paid attention during the course, but I do not remember the instructions given. I believe more repetitive, diverse, and specific instruction on incident recovery would be very beneficial in the reduction of injury or death resulting from car crashes. I also believe that in application, drivers do attempt to be safe, and avoid crashes, though as a new or young driver, it may be more difficult due to the lack of experience.

There are several things that can be done to reduce the number of deaths related to driving, on the part of the driver, and on the part of the Department of Licensing (DOL). Firstly, drivers can choose to be more aware of their actions and the actions of others. They can choose to be responsible drivers, and make smart decisions, such as using a seatbelt, not using a phone while driving, and not speeding. I believe that the DOL can do more to provide for the general safety of the public while driving. The DOL is responsible for the issuing, and renewal of driver’s licenses. I propose that the Washington State DOL holds periodic licensing tests, upon renewal of the license. These tests would be a shortened version of the Washington State DOL Knowledge Test that must be taken in order to receive a license. My vision of this test is 10-20 questions (of the 40 questions standard for the Washington State DOL Knowledge Test). The test would include key points, like signs, lights, laws/policies, etc. and must be passed with an 80% or higher in order to renew a driver’s license. In Washington State, a driver’s license must be renewed every 6-8 years². Taking a written driving test every 6-8 years would ensure that drivers are still aware of the rules of the road, and the driving procedure that was taught through driver’s education.

As a driver, I have not been a part of a car accident. I have experienced the unsafe driving of others many times, but I have not been involved in an accident as of yet. My parents have been in car accidents (not their fault), but I was present with them either time. I have seen and heard about my friends driving irresponsibly, such as using their phones, tying their shoes, speeding, etc. while driving. I have not seen or heard of any of my friends driving under the influence, but they will do smaller irresponsible things that can have a negative impact on their attention to the road. When I get a ride from a friend, I take in consideration the irresponsibility of their driving, and choose not to ride with friends who drive irresponsibly. There are specific friends who I don’t get rides with because I do not feel safe with their driving.

Whenever I drive, I plug my phone in to charge, and place it in the cupholder of my seat, so I am not tempted to look at it, or use it while I’m driving. I usually drive with music, as it allows me to stay engaged and maintain my attention on the road. I often adjust the climate controls while I’m driving, which is something I have been trying to avoid, or be able to do without taking my eyes off the road. I am working on understanding the repercussions of my actions while driving. I am a relatively responsible driver, though I am new to driving. I particularly struggle with yellow lights and stopping at yellow lights. I have been specifically focusing on how many people are behind me when I try to stop at yellow lights, because something I often fail to consider is the fact that my quick stopping means the quick stopping of those behind me as well.