Driver Education Initiative 2024: In the Driver’s Seat

Driver education is extremely important in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. Many people do not realize the staggering number of deaths that are on the rise as outlined on the scholarship website. Understanding these numbers makes one truly think and know they could most definitely be one of those statistics due to negligence while driving. I believe a large percentage of people are not 100 engaged in just driving with all of the gadgets and technological advances vehicles have today, such as LED interior lighting, play lists, receiving and responding to calls, emails, texts and voice messages, and so many more. These advances are said to make driving safer and provide everything at the touch of button, however, listening to and responding to messages, changing playlists, and changing the interior color of LED lights all create a distracted driver. Part of the mind is somewhere else and not focused entirely on the road. Additionally, vehicles are designed to go faster than ever. There is no need for a vehicle to go over a certain MPH just for the fun of it and to make it more glamorous and desired by the buyer. This feature entices drivers to go much faster than posted speed limits. They become frustrated and angry when vehicles around them are going slower than their own vehicle as many want to show off the speed and agility of their vehicle, as well as their own finesse when handling a fast car. This leads to drivers wrecklessly swerving in and out of lanes, dramatically increasing the chances of a horrific accident.

I believe vehicles should be stripped of the many luxuries drivers today think they need and replaced with only what is absolutely necessary to drive to and from a destination. Cell phones would automatically be deactivated while a vehicle is in drive, except for the ability to call 911. Manufacturers would be required to put a limit on the maximum speed any car to go that makes sense to the maximum speed limit of roads within the United States. Vehicles would also be equipped with sensors that automatically caused it to slow down when tailgating. A wreckless tactic when driving that only causes the tailgated driver to become anxious or angry, and above all, distracted. All of these changes would keep a driver focused on the road and aware of their surroundings.

I have never been in a car accident; however, I have been in a car where my friend was going very fast on windy back roads. Adhering to posted speed limits is incredibly important and are posted for a reason. Irresponsible drivers that fly around backgrounds are endangering themselves, their passengers, and those around them. Many fitness enthusiasts walk on those back roads, wildlife commonly run out onto roads without notice, a child’s ball could come bouncing into the street since this is the area most houses found. Respecting communities and neighborhoods, and keeping them safe by driving the speed limit, is a very important and good habit to get into. When driving with my friend there were a few times the person she was tailgating brake checked her. She thankfully reacted quickly but laughed. It was not as funny to me and a bit scary.

One step I took to help my friend become a safer driver was to suggest she slow down on the back roads since it is easy to lose control around sharp bends. Additionally, when she was brake checked and did not know why, I politely told her she was driving a bit too close to the car in front of her and it most likely made them upset or angry. When being brake checked you never know what will happen and even the car in front of you is risking injury or death by doing that. People’s responses to how another person drives, whether it be speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, cutting someone off, or tailgating, are not always good choices and can lead to serious accidents due to negligence, impatience, and distraction. When I drive alone or with my friends, I try to be a good example by following the rules of the road, staying engaged, and not becoming distracted by loud music, social media, and anything else that would take my focus from the road.

In conclusion, by implementing safety measures into vehicles and taking away some of the expected luxuries, vehicles can become more safe in their design and lessen driver distraction. With mandated speed limits and maximum speed built into vehicles, drivers will not be in such a rush and everyone’s cars with operate with equal equipment and speed. Drivers will learn to respect each other on the road and what the true purpose of a vehicle is. It is a means to get from one place to another and is most definitely not a place to work, stay in constant touch with friends, be a source of entertainment, or to show off speed. The result would be a drastic reduction in the number of deaths as a result of negligent, distracted and wreckless driving.