Driving Towards Safety: The Role of Education and Experience in Traffic Accidents

Driver’s education is crucial to reducing traffic-related fatalities by equipping drivers with the knowledge, skills, and attitude in order to operate a vehicle safely and responsibly. Existing driver’s education programs in my area (Virginia Beach) are used to ensure that everyone has the same basic knowledge in areas such as, traffic laws, driver responsibilities, distracted driving, defensive driving, and the effects of the use of alcohol and drugs behind the wheel. Acknowledging and educating drivers about the potential consequences of the hazards listed above can allow for individuals to not only be safer on the roads, but to reduce the number of negative incidences that occur while driving. These programs are not only designed for young drivers learning to drive for the first time, but also to correct drivers who have many infractions on their driving record.

Steps to Reduce Driving-Related Deaths

Car accidents are the leading cause of death in the United States and around the world. In the United States during the year of 2022, over 44,000 people died in car accidents, which is more than 120 people per day. In order to reduce this number, a combination of efforts including education, awareness, stricter policing, and encouraging vehicles that have modern technology. Within Hampton Roads area, the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers VA Driver Improvement & RADEP courses, which are classes to educate drivers about driving practices, and how not to engage in risky behaviors on the roads (e.g., speeding, being on the phone, DUI, etc.) The RADEP program specifically recognizes individuals who have engaged in reckless behaviors while driving (e.g., tailgating, road rage, excessive speeding, etc.) and gives them to opportunity to reflect on this poor decision making and be better equipped to handle stressors on the road in a more effective manner. Programs and classes such as these are further expanding and improving as time goes on and teach the necessary skills for one to be a safer driver on the road, not just for themselves, but for others as well.

In addition to the initiative for further education programs, stricter law enforcement can help to serve as a protective factor in preventing accidents. Stricter enforcement of laws in terms of policing can intervene on the roads through enforcement of the laws, such as speed limits, seat belts, driving under the influence (DUI), stop signs, running a red light, etc. In the Hampton Roads area, I have personally seen a lot of improvements in this area, including putting cameras with the stop signs of school busses, and increase in red light cameras, and more policing, especially on the interstates, that are radaring and ensuring that everyone is abiding by the rules of the road.

My first vehicle was a 2012 Fiat pop, and I have since upgraded to a 2023 Fiat 500X po, and one of the things that amazes me the most is the increase in safety features on the vehicle, even on the Fiat, which is not an American made car. This just goes to show how this problem truly is a worldwide problem, and others around the world are also coming up with safer ways for vehicles to be on the road with one another. From my beginning car to my current car, I now have blind spot indicators, parking sensors, emergency braking system, lane assist, and a non-blinding filter on my rearview mirror. Each of these advancements amazes me, and they truly make it a lot easier to drive. These advanced safety features can help to prevent accidents, especially those caused by distracted driving and driver error. Just yesterday, my car had to activate the automatic braking system because a car had pulled out in front of me on the highway. Although I was able to pay attention to this, my vehicle automatically detected this and allowed me to avoid a collision before I could even react myself. Although this technology is an advancement, this does not replace a driver’s need to pay attention to what is going on. However, I can say, I am glad that I had this feature on my vehicle at this time.

Personal Experience with Driving and Responsibility

I was a victim in a car accident when I was 12 years old at the hands of a driver who was under the influence. I was a passenger in the rear driver seat along with 4 other children and one adult driver. Before we had left my friend’s home and the residence of the driver, I saw she had a drink or two, but I thought it would be safe, and it would be okay because she would never intentionally harm me or anyone else. But because of this decision to get in the car, I was injured. Not only did I have six months of healing from a broken collarbone, but I also had to go to court for a settlement. I had to relive this event over and over again because of my injury and because of the settlement case with the insurance company. It was then at 12 years old, I became traumatized and scared to drive for myself. Most people want to get their permit and license for freedom at the age of 16, but I did not. I did not realize it at the time, but I was traumatized. Because of this, I did not get my license until the age of 21, and because of this car accident, I never looked at driving the same. I was scared to drive myself.

My driving instructor from a local driving school in Virginia Beach found a way to take some of that fear from me, when she said, “there are options to avoid a collision. You can go right, you can go left, you can speed up, or you can slow down.” But the thing that I took away most from it beyond the words she said, was you need to pay attention. You cannot be a distracted driver or under the influence because then you cannot make these kinds of decisions in the moment to avoid an accident. It is important for you to stay focused and pay attention, not just to your own driving, but to the others around you. In my accident, the driver was under the influence. She was not able to make clear decisions in order to drive safely or to respond effectively to the situations that may arise while on the road. Because of this, not only did the driver pay for it, but also every single passenger in the car. My 12-year-old self-had the longest recovery from the accident, and I had to grow up to navigate the lasting impact from the accident, but it is not just in the moment of the accident, it is about the aftermath as well. None of us in the car that day lost our lives, thankfully, but not everyone serves that same fate. That is why it is important to drive safely.

Steps to be a Better and Safer Driver

To be a safer driver and to help others do the same, there are some crucial steps that came be taken to ensure safer driving. (1) Stay focused and avoid distractions, including use of a phone, eating, drinking, or engaging in other activities that could take your attention away from the road. Do not be afraid to pull over to a safe location, if it is necessary to make a phone call or to send a text message. (2) Follow the speed limits. They are not suggestions; they are put there for safety reasons to maintain control of your vehicle and give you time to react in the event of an unexpected situation. (3) Do not drive under the influence. Even if you feel as though you are not intoxicated enough to be impaired, your ability to make split decisions with crucial timing is impaired. It is not safe to drive when impaired with alcohol, drugs, or any substances. There are options for you, if you are intoxicated and under the influence of drugs and alcohol (e.g., Uber, Lyft, Freebee, Taxis, Public Transportation, or a designated driver). (4) Wear your seatbelt. In the event that an accident does occur, a seatbelt can be the one thing that prevents you from flying out of the windshield of the car. Once again, it is for your protection. (5) Encourage safe driving habits. Lead by example. If you are a parent, you will be teaching your children how to drive one day. Set an example for your children.

Conclusion

Driver education programs, stricter law enforcement, modern vehicle technology, and personal experiences all play a crucial role in reducing traffic-related deaths. In areas like Hampton Roads, where initiatives such as the VA Driver Improvement & RADEP courses exist, drivers are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive responsibly. These efforts, combined with advancements in vehicle safety and improved policing, are key steps toward making our roads safer. For individuals, adopting safe driving habits not only reduces the risk of accidents but also helps protect the lives of others on the road. Whether it’s through education, technology, or simply making responsible choices behind the wheel, every step counts in preventing traffic-related fatalities.