Driving isn’t Meant to be Reckless

What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving?

Driver Education is extremely important when it comes to safety on our roads. When individuals don’t understand or follow the rules of the road, safety becomes a huge risk. If people understand how to read signs, stop lights, and turn signals, they are less likely to get in a collision because they themselves are able to follow traffic laws. They are only going to be in danger if someone else decides to disobey those laws, but ultimately we are all at risk.

I personally believe that Driver’s Ed in high school is a very important part of learning to drive. Without it, many students would not be able to drive with safe habits. I remember the year that I took my road test. It was the summer before my sophomore year of high school. I was 15, turning 16 in a mere 3 months. I remember how excited I had been to get a learner’s permit the day of my birthday the previous year, and I was even more ecstatic to receive my license the day I was going to turn 16. My road instructor was focused on making sure I knew what I was doing and would help correct me if I made a mistake. This week-long instruction helped me to understand the rules of the road and maintain control of my vehicle. This course should be heavily enforced and instructors should only be passing students that would practice safe driving habits. I know a lot of instructors get bored and pass anyone that knows what a gas pedal and a brake are, but those instructors shouldn’t be afraid to fail bad drivers. I know if I had failed, it would be a rough road to take the test again, but I would much rather be safe than sorry.

What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?

I believe stoplights should be installed in areas of high traffic where turning left or right out of a neighborhood and/or business becomes dangerous. The amount of time the driver waits and the smaller the gaps are, the more frustrated the driver will become. This can impact how they drive after making the turn. I live off of SR-73, a road that sees many t-bone crashes due to persons turning left out of our neighborhoods. I know that traffic lights clog up traffic patterns, but they can also increase safety in densely populated areas with a lot of neighborhoods and businesses. Every time I see a car crash, I immediately pray for them. I don’t want anyone to get injured and I don’t want to see on the news that someone has passed away from a car accident. Driving is scary and I wish people would understand just how important road safety is.

Have you ever had an experience of being in a car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly?

I have seen many family members and friends of mine engage in unsafe practices on the road. One of my friends turns up the music so loud that you can’t hear each other talk, the car, or what is going on outside of the car. I have a friend that won’t wear their glasses when driving which increases the risk of them not being able to see something while driving. One of my family members drives relatively close to other cars with a very small following distance, almost to the point of tailgating. My other family member will drive while doing things on their phone, they will drive under the speed limit, and they have a hard time staying in their own lane. I also know several people that don’t ever use their blinker. I know others that refuse to wear a seat belt, and so much more. Yes, I am not perfect and I am not going to claim that I am, but I hope to never be involved in a car crash, especially one that hurts myself and others. I hope to avoid irresponsible driving and stay safe.

What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?

This question can be applied in a multiplicity of ways. This can especially be applied when you are emotional. Don’t get behind the wheel if you are feeling angry or sad or anxious, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but everyone else on the road. We should also avoid leaving late for work, school, sports, and any other event. This increases our stress and results in ignoring speed limit signs and zooming down a road you otherwise wouldn’t speed down. I can personally try to avoid these dangerous practices when I place myself behind the wheel. I can also take the initiative to put my phone away and let passengers handle text messages and calls. I can make sure my music is quiet enough to hear what is going on around me. I can avoid engaging in distracting activities with passengers, and I can follow the speed limit and use my blinker. For others I can offer to help them complete a task on their phone, acknowledge signs, and keep myself from distracting them.