We Can Do Better: Me, You, and the Driver Education Programs

Effective driver education plays a crucial role in reducing fatalities caused by driving errors. It can guide and lead to responsible driving, which in turn reduces fatalities on the road. Driver education should address and really emphasize the influence of technology distractions in the car because they are one of the leading causes of driving deaths.

Throughout my childhood, I have battled terrifying encounters with people using technology while driving. It got so bad that when I was 13 years old, my dad decided to pull his laptop out of his bag and put it on the steering wheel while driving. Butterflies aggressively swirled in my stomach and rage started boiling inside me that I became brave enough to take a video of him typing on his computer with no hands on the steering wheel. Once I showed my mother the video, all hell broke loose. My mother ended up having to call child protection services, and they intervened. This experience has had a lasting impact on me, and it has made me very aware of the dangers of distracted driving.

Several steps can be taken with technology and driving, and they have helped me become a more responsible driver; moreover, this guide can help others become safer on the road too. One of the most effective methods is using your phone’s settings to enhance safety. The “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature or enabling airplane mode can block incoming notifications. This way, you will not be tempted to check your phone while driving. Additionally, this mode helped me create a customized pre-set response in case people text me when I am on the road. This response helps them understand why I cannot respond to them right then. Moreover, I find that this message holds me accountable because they know I am not texting and driving. Thus, I use this tool all the time when I drive and I find it effectively takes my mind off who is texting me.

Also, utilizing this setting in your phone pairs great with another strategy: phone-free zones. Commit to not using your phone during certain areas or times, such as during your commute or near school zones. This habit can help me and others stay alert and avoid distractions.

Another effective method is the phone-in-trunk challenge. Before starting your car, place your phone in the trunk or glove compartment. This removes the temptation to check or use it while driving. Out of sight, out of mind is a simple but powerful way to ensure we stay focused on the road.

Lastly, peer accountability is crucial. I discuss safe driving habits with my friends and family. Encouraging them to hold themselves as well as me accountable for safe driving. Having a support system can make a big difference in maintaining safe practices and creating effective habits.

In addition to driver education programs teaching about safe technology tips while driving, these programs should also include practical training on handling emergencies, such as skidding on ice or dealing with a tire blowout. These situations can be life-threatening if not handled properly, and knowing how to respond can save lives. Additionally, understanding the importance of vehicle maintenance, such as checking tire pressure and ensuring brakes are in good condition, can prevent accidents. Reflecting on my driver’s education program, they somewhat failed to teach me how to take care of a car and handle dangerous situations. If I did not have my grandpa, who had worked at General Motors for 21 years, and taught me everything there is to a car, then I would be in deep trouble in threatening car circumstances. Therefore, I advocate for driver training programs to highlight car maintenance concepts and what to do in life-threatening car situations.

Public awareness campaigns can also play a significant role in reducing driving-related deaths. These campaigns can educate the public on the dangers of distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding. They can also promote the use of seat belts and child safety seats, which are proven to save lives. As a student majoring in Public Policy at the University of Southern California (USC), I am particularly interested in how policy can influence driver behavior and improve road safety. I believe that stricter laws and regulations, along with effective enforcement, can significantly reduce the number of driving-related deaths. For example, increasing penalties for texting while driving or driving under the influence can act as a deterrent and encourage safer driving practices.

In conclusion, driver education is essential in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. It should emphasize the dangers of technology distractions. By using phone settings to enhance safety, creating phone-free zones, participating in the phone-in-trunk challenge, and encouraging peer accountability, we can become more responsible drivers and help others stay safe on the road. Providing practical training on car maintenance and how to handle emergencies also ensures that a person can do the responsible action in a dangerous situation. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and stricter laws can also play a crucial role in improving road safety. As someone who has experienced the dangers of distracted driving firsthand, I am committed to promoting safe driving practices and making our roads safer for everyone.