Driving Towards Safety

Every year, thousands of people die in car accidents; many of these are caused by things that could have been prevented, such as driving distracted or driving under the influence. As a young driver, I am extremely conscious of just how much responsibility it takes to be safe on the road. Driver education plays a major role in teaching new drivers the skills they will need in order to make good decisions when under pressure. Where appropriate training is provided, the knowledge acquired will aid them to make the road a safe place for all. In this essay, I will talk about the significance of education in driving, measures that may be taken or proposed to avoid driving-related deaths, my personal experience, and commitment as a responsible driver.

Driver education is not restricted to teaching the operation and mechanics of the vehicle. It instills an awareness of the principles of road safety, emphasizes the consequences of risky behaviors, and builds a habit of cautious decision-making. The CDC estimates that teens between the ages of 16 and 19 years old are three times more likely than other drivers to be involved in deadly car crashes, partly because of inexperience and lack of exposure to situations that present a high level of risk. Driver education fills in this gap by simulating various situations and teaching how a beginning driver could address those situations safely.

In addition to the mere handling of the vehicle, driver’s education also involves other essential topics that include how a driver can drive on the roads defensively, perceive hazards, and the way rules for interaction with other road users. Awareness of the various ways a potential hazard a driver who suddenly might change lanes or a pedestrian who suddenly steps into the street may appear decreases the possibility of accidents occurring. Moreover, driver education placing an emphasis on seatbelts, speed limits, and avoidance of distractions such as cell phones has been shown to reduce riskier driving behaviors further reducing crashes and fatalities.

The reduction of roadway fatalities involves personal and collective responsibility. First, if the existing laws-for example, those relating to distracted driving-are more strictly implemented, many accidents would be avoided. States that have implemented bans on texting while driving have subsequently witnessed declines in associated crashes, demonstrating that such laws do work. Other methods could include ensuring regular refresher courses for all drivers, not just new drivers. Refresher courses remind individuals of best practices, acquaint them with any new road safety rules that come into play, and reinforce better driving habits.

I have not been involved with a car accident, but I have seen so many near ones. Once, I was traveling with my friend who kept gazing at his cell phone while driving. This constant distraction unnerved me, and I saw how one moment of distraction could quickly cause tragedy. Having seen how even minimal distractions can bring one into dangerous situations has influenced my outlook on driving. Such experiences have taught me to be always attentive to the road and not to sacrifice safety for the sake of ease.

It also facilitates my being more vocal to my friends about road safety. I don’t feel uncomfortable reminding others to keep off their phones while driving and to practice safe habits. I realize that even as a passenger, it is my responsibility to promote safe driving practices by setting expectations among the drivers around me.

So I could be possibly taking every possible step in order to make my driving, and for that matter, driving of others on the road, safe. I make it a point not to use my phone while driving, however urgent the notification may be. I install a “no distraction” rule with passengers so they understand my need to focus on the road. The other measure I take on the road is driving defensively. This basically means that I anticipate what the other driver will do and equally be prepared for any eventuality. Such practice keeps me in a good position to remain prepared in every given situation when others on the road may not be that cautious.

Furthermore, I am working to inspire similar ideas among my friends. One thing I have been sharing with friends is creating a “safe driving challenge” whereby we all promise not to drive distracted for a week and share experiences thereafter. Since positive influence opens up avenues for change, I will be able to create some sense of responsibility among young drivers.

Driver education is clearly indispensable in reducing roadway fatalities. We can reduce the number of unnecessary deaths due to inexperienced and reckless driving by teaching young drivers the driving skills necessary to make responsible decisions on the road. No one solution will make the roads completely safe, but we can get much closer through education, regulation, personal responsibility, and improved technology. I am committed, being a young driver, to being part of this process by not only driving responsibly myself but also encouraging my peers to do the same. Let us make our roads safer together and save lives for future generations.