In the Driver Seat: Importance of Driver Education

The following essay will attempt to explain the importance of being a safe and educated driver in an increasingly fast paced and car-congested world. The essay will try to emphasize the importance of driver education in reducing the number of driver-related deaths. Next, it will try to point out steps one can take to minimize deaths related to driving. I will really try to emphasize the dangers of being uneducated and unsafe as a driver, by sharing some of my personal experiences in the fire department in responding to car accidents. Finally, I will conclude with what steps can be taken to be an overall safer driver. While I know the topic of safe driving can be a complicated one, I believe that thinking about the topic is a great first step in trying to tackle the problem.

Driver education is crucial in reducing driving-related deaths for many reasons. Driver education, especially if started before one is actually granted a driver’s license, provides learners with knowledge about traffic laws, safe driving practices, and how to handle hazardous road conditions. It can also help drivers to recognize dangerous situations on the roadways and to be able to avoid them in the first place. Driver training can also encourage responsible behaviors such as: seatbelt use, avoiding distractions like texting, or driving while under the influence. By enhancing driver competency and awareness, education plays a key role in decreasing accidents and fatalities on the road.

In taking the actual steps to reduce the number of driving-related deaths, there are numerous tactics available. In this paragraph, we are going to focus on three possible tactics. The first is enhancing driver education before a person receives their driver’s license; the education would emphasize defensive driving, risk assessment, and safe practices. Another step would be to totally overhaul the licensing system, this would be done by having a graduating license system where a student would be given gradually higher license levels based on their experience behind the wheel; each level would grant the driver increased driving privileges or freedoms. Another step one can take to reduce driver-related deaths is to promote alternative forms of transportation to eliminate some of the cars on the road. This can be done by initiating an intense marketing campaign that promotes cycling, public transportation, or even walking. These are only three steps to reduce driving-related deaths, out of countless others.

The importance of driving education and taking steps to reduce driving-related deaths is very prevalent in my own personal life. I currently am a Firefighter/Paramedic, and one of our primary responsibilities is responding to car accidents. I have been in this position for the past eight years and can honestly say I have responded to hundreds of car accidents and have seen first-hand the devastation it has wrought to countless lives. In an instant, an individual’s life is changed forever. One vehicle accident that stands out to me the most is when we responded to an overturned vehicle in a canal. The vehicle was speeding, and the driver lost control as he was going around the bend which sent his car careening into a nearby canal overturned. The vehicle had two other occupants, besides the driver, and the driver was the only one able to get out of the car. The other two occupants sadly passed away. The look on the driver’s face, after the realization that his friends did not make it, will haunt my memories forever. In an instant, his life had changed, and he more than likely, will carry the guilt from that day for the rest of his life. This event, in my mind, solidifies the need for educated and safe drivers on the road.

There are many ways to become and encourage others to be safe and effective drivers. When driving, be sure to stay focused. This means eliminating the use of cell phones while on the road or using hands-free technology. Always be sure to obey all posted speed limits and warning signs. Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Make sure to stay calm and patient, do not give in to road rage as this can cause an individual to engage in unsafe driving. An individual can help others become a safe driver by sharing knowledge and good safety practices to new or learning drivers. Support driver education and become an advocate for local driver education programs or safety campaigns. An individual can also support the use of ride shares or taxi, when alcohol is involved.

In conclusion, there are many ways available to the public to reduce the number of driver-related deaths through education. As time goes by, the number of vehicles on the road is inevitably going to increase and the need for driving education has never been more important. The complete elimination of risk related to driving is probably never going to happen, but at least with some sort of formal driver training program, it can be mitigated, and lives can be saved.