The Danger of Driving

Did you know that “In America, an average of 34,000 people die each year as a result of driving?” (DMV, 2024). This shocking truth helps us realize the importance of being a safe and educated driver. Consider the responsibility we have, every single time we hop into our car and hit the road. Our poor decisions of driving distractions, drinking and driving, and not following the traffic rules result in accidents, crashes, and thousands of driving-related deaths. But, by knowing the importance of driver education, the steps that can be taken to reduce human error, and to be a better and safer driver while helping others do the same thing, you can reduce the number of deaths related to driving.

Driver education is important in reducing the number of deaths from driving. To begin, the knowledge of driver education will prepare you to face the risks of the road. For example, reading your state’s driver’s manual will provide you with critical knowledge of real life on-the-road situations. Such as, how to handle emergencies, warning signs, negotiating intersections, curves, and highways, sharing the road with other vehicles, and basic driving laws. In addition, behind the wheel training will allow you to get comfortable and skillful with driving. The level of a driver’s experience can make or break a driver’s judgement, decision making on the road, as well as the ability to follow all the simple driving regulations. A well experienced driver will reduce the number of fatalities.

But that is not all, driver education also provides a series of steps that you can implement in your own driving experience to reduce the number of driving-related deaths. First, limit driver distractions. Are you aware that “driver distractions are the leading cause of most vehicle collisions?” (DMV CA). Driving distractions are best defined as anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road, including average everyday activities: personal grooming, reading, smoking, or working (DMV CA). You can reduce driving collisions and deaths by practicing these methods of undistracted driving, staying focused on the road, paying attention to your surroundings, and expecting the unexpected (DMV CA). Second, don’t drink and drive. Did you know, “every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 39 minutes” (NHTSA). Responsible behavior includes, not drinking underage and planning a safe way to drive home after a party with a driver who is not under the influence. For example, assisting others who have been drinking by setting up someone to drive them home, making sure that others leave with a sober driver, and always wearing a seat belt (NHTSA). By applying and practicing these steps, you will save lives on the road.

Personally, I have never been involved in a car accident. However, my uncle passed away before I was born because of a car accident and because of that, I never met him. His fatality was a shock to everyone, his parents, his brother, and his girlfriend. At the time of the accident, he was only 21 years old. The weather was snowy, and the road conditions were not safe, still, his friend drove him to a local ski resort. On their way there, another car collided with the passenger side of the car he was in. Immediately, the emergency crew came and escorted him and his friend to the hospital, where he passed away

soon after. His ascendency left his family grieving. Having never met him, but only hearing stories of the person he was, I wish I could have gotten to know him. I often wonder what he would have been like and the role he would have played in my family. His story reminds me to think carefully about driving and to choose the right time to drive, especially with inclement weather. An accident can affect everyone, including yourself, other drivers on the road, your family, and your future.

Lastly, Given the fact that, “most crashes result from human error” it’s your personal responsibility to be a safe and educated driver and encourage others to do the same. There are three steps that you can follow to improve your driving abilities and drive safely. First, pay attention to the road while being aware of your surroundings. “Always focus on your driving. It is crucial that you remain alert while on the road to arrive at your destination safely” (DMV CA). Practice undistracted driving and always be vigilant. Put your phone in a place where you will not be tempted to pick it up at a red light, keep your mind on the task at hand, and scan the road before you aimlessly turn. Thinking about driving will automatically help you drive safely. “Driving is a skill that requires your full attention to safely control your vehicle and respond to events happening on the roads around you” (DMV CA). Second, take control of your speed and know how to properly negotiate unexpected situations on the road. These two concepts are better known as “everyday driving skills” (PA Driver’s Manuel). These abilities are something that every driver should feel confident in. Everyday driving skills include, managing space, managing speed, safely turning, merging, and passing other vehicles, negotiating intersections, negotiating curves, and negotiating highways and interchanges (PA DMV, p. 35). By practicing your everyday driving skills, you can help make the road a better and safer place. Third, try to follow the road warning signs and state traffic laws. Warning signs are there to keep you and others safe! “They are posted before the condition, so you have time to see what is ahead, decide how you should respond and slow down or change your travel path, if necessary” (PA DMV, p. 13). These signs warn the driver about road conditions, such as curves, sharp turns, merging traffic and divided highways (PA DMV). Warning signs also alert the driver about other hazards, including pedestrian crossings, school zones, traffic signals ahead, and horse-drawn vehicles (PA DMV). Traffic laws are state regulations that every driver must follow. Simple rules such as not drinking and driving, following the speed limit, and driving with an adult in the car if you obtain a learner’s permit are all examples of traffic laws. The warning signs and traffic laws are there for the safety of ourselves, as drivers, but also for the well-being of others who we share the road with.

To conclude, the lives of our own and others around us are at risk on the road. However, driver education can help us to be a more educated and safer driver. After all, it is our responsibility to limit driving distractions, avoid drinking and driving, be aware of our surroundings on the road, take control of our speed and know how to properly negotiate unexpected situations on the road, and obey the warning signs and traffic laws. I implore you to implement these techniques in your own driving and encourage others to do the same. Driving deaths happen in seconds, but by putting in effort to drive responsibly you have the power to save your own life and the lives of those around you.