The critical role of driver training in reducing road fatalities.

Unfortunately, the topic of safe driving has remained relevant since the invention of the automobile in 1672. Today, about 1.3 million people die in road accidents and up to 50 million are injured. The main threat to the lives of people aged 5 to 29 is road traffic. Every fourth death in the world occurs among cyclists on the roads. Therefore, comprehensive training is an extremely important aspect, because it can reduce road fatalities. Proper driver training not only provides important skills and knowledge, but also forms a culture of safe driving. Therefore, I believe that the implementation of strategic measures can reduce the number of fatalities.

The first and most important stage is the training of future drivers. It is during this period that the foundations of understanding safe driving, a kind of good habits, are laid. Many people are taught to drive by their mothers, fathers, other relatives or friends, but how competent are they? Who taught them? The same moms and dads. I believe that driving lessons should be taught by professionals, licensed people who will instill the right habits and knowledge. An effective program will instill a sense of responsibility. Trained drivers are better prepared to make the right and instant decisions on the road, they can also anticipate danger and maintain self-control. These are the skills that future drivers should be taught, and they should be taught by licensed people – those who know and understand what a car is and how to drive it. I also believe it is necessary to introduce several different mandatory classes for all future drivers.

1. Theory. Learning the general principles of driving, signs and hypothetical situations on the road.

2. Practice. Mandatory driving hours with a licensed professional. First on a closed site, after passing the first exam, you can accumulate driving hours on real streets.

3. General knowledge of cars. For many people, the engine structure is real magic. If we increase the general level of knowledge about cars, then there will be more understanding of how to operate them, and people will have a greater sense of responsibility.

4. First aid courses. I think it is mandatory for every driver to pass an exam on providing emergency assistance. Many lives can be saved if they are given first aid before the ambulance arrives.

Comprehensive training covers many important aspects of driving. Such a well-designed program can reduce the dire consequences of lack of knowledge, speeding, and drunk driving. Awareness and practice of reckless behavior prevention are critical in developing future attentive and responsible drivers. Such drivers will understand that safety is the most important thing.

Steps to reduce driving-related fatalities.

While driver training is a key element in reducing road fatalities, a multifaceted approach should still be implemented. First, strict rules are needed, and most importantly, their observance. It is known that in countries with stricter rules, the accident rate is much lower. Therefore, I believe it is necessary to implement automated speed control and speed cameras that will not only “scare” but also actually work. There are many cases when it turned out that these cameras did not record for some unknown reason. Properly functioning cameras will ensure compliance with the rules and will be a kind of deterrent. In addition, I believe it is necessary to conduct marketing campaigns to raise awareness. The public should know real cases and feel responsible when driving. Such stories have a strong emotional impact and provoke people to drive more safely. Another factor in reducing road fatalities is improving infrastructure. Well-maintained roads, clear signs and markings reduce the level of accidents.

Personal encounters and lessons learned.

In September 2024, a friend of mine never came home. He was not one of those people who would disappear without calling, not one of those who would stay overnight at a girl’s, he was one of those people who was called “such a good guy”. By the morning, everyone was already worried. All his friends tried to find him, called and wrote to each other, but there was no news. And then I received a message – an article from the news with a photo of his car, or rather what was left of it. We quickly contacted the police and found out which hospital our friend was in. He was in a coma, the doctors could not determine his name, place of residence and therefore did not inform his relatives. The next week was unbearably long and difficult for everyone. His mother flew from another state in hopes of seeing her son, who was still in a coma and could not even breathe without a machine. And then finally he woke up, with no memories of the last few months and could barely speak, eat, and breathe. That evening, a car driven by a young girl drove into the intersection, significantly exceeding the speed limit and driving through a red light. She wanted to test her sports car. It was a fatal mistake that almost took the lives of several people. She hit two cars at once. In the first car was my friend, who ended up in a coma and miraculously got back from the brink. In the other car was a dad with his children, who were forever psychologically traumatized. We are still recovering from this situation. My friend is learning to live again, to take his time behind the wheel. And the girl who hit him is going to jail. Reflecting on this incident, I believe that it left an indelible mark, highlighting the consequences of careless choices. Moments like these serve as a harsh reminder that driving is not just a task, but a responsibility that can affect countless lives.

Conclusion.

Proper driver education coupled with technological advances can be the key to reducing road fatalities.