The Role Played by Driver Education in Traffic Deaths

Driving, as it is a routine for most people, is fraught with inherent dangers that lead to a significant number of fatalities annually. Such fatalities are usually a result of a combination of factors ranging from reckless driving, distracted driving, drunk driving, and bad road conditions. The role played by driver education in averting such risks cannot be unstated. Effective driver education programs and interventions have potential to greatly minimize road fatalities by tackling the most leading causes of road accidents and deaths.

Among the most common causes of fatal accidents is reckless driving. Reckless driving takes numerous forms, such as aggressive driving, speeding and performing risky maneuvers on the road. For example, road rage will frequently result in reckless driving where people disobey traffic rules, tailgate, or speed excessively as a means of “getting back” at other drivers on the highway Aggressive driving is easily translated into dangerous and fatal accidents. Reckless driving may also entail motorists texting or using their phones, which takes their attention off the roadway, further enhancing the likelihood of accidents. Texting while driving has been shown to be just as risky as drunk driving. To help decrease road rage and hazardous driving, one solution is to create a yearly driving test that consists of questions about how aggressive a driver is and how effectively they can control their emotions while driving. Divers would be asked questions such as, “How often do other drivers annoy you?” “Or” Do you drive faster when you’re angry?” Depending on their response, more aggressive drivers would have to take anger management courses or re-test their driving capability. Failure would result in suspension or cancellation of their driver’s licenses. This would make drivers consider their emotional state while driving and promote more defensive driving habits.

Distracted driving is another significant issue that leads to road accidents. As phones and technology are now so prevalent, most drivers struggle with the urge to check their phone, reply to messages, or scroll through social media while driving. Sadly, any distraction that takes a driver’s attention off the road has disastrous effects. To combat this, car makers can implement technology that limits a driver from accessing their phone while on the road. For, example, new vehicles can be equipped with advanced Bluetooth systems and voice-activated features that allow drivers to access useful features, like music of GPS, without needing to touch their phone. Additionally, mobile-locking devices in cars while the car is moving can eliminate the urge to indulge in distracting activities while driving.

Speeding, another risky behavior, claims a high rate of fatalities every year. Speed limits were established so that drivers have enough time to stop and overcome challenges and so that they are traveling at a rate of speed that is safe and in control of the conditions. When drivers drive above these speeds, they effectively place themselves at much greater risk of a crash, especially in those situations which require quick reaction times. A solution could be new cars being equipped with speed-limiting devices that automatically calibrate the car’s speed to posted speeds, removing the opportunity for drivers to drive about them. This would be a massive step towards preventing accidents caused by speeding and towards creating a safer driving culture for everyone on the roads.

Drunk driving is probably one of the most preventable causes of road fatalities. Despite awareness and the availability of rideshares services, people continue to drive after drinking, putting not only their own lives at risk but also other individuals’ lives. The installation of an interlock breathalyzer system in every vehicle would greatly cut down instances of drunk driving. These systems would compel the driver to provide a breath sample prior to the ignition of the vehicle. Moreover, restricting the sale of alcohol after specific hours, for example, 9 pm, would also cut down the chances of drunk driving. Despite these actions being met with opposition, they can save many lives and reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents.

With experience with unsafe driving, I personally have never been involved in a car accident, but often my friends drive unsafely. They habitually speed or use their phones while driving, which makes me feel uneasy. Therefore, I often volunteer to drive to keep myself and others out of danger. Seeing this kind of reckless driving has made me more conscious about being a responsible and careful driver. To be a safer driver, I always follow speed limits, even if I am late, because I know the risk of speeding. I also prepare a playlist before I start driving so that I do not need to touch my phone while driving. In addition, I keep my phone out of reach so that I will not be tempted to use it while driving. Lastly, I only drive under safe conditions, so I am not putting my life or others’ lives at risk.
To conclude, driver education is crucial in limiting the number of fatalities arising from driving. Through the addressing of matters pertaining to road rage, driving while distracted, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol, it is possible to substantially lower the risks involved whole driving. Education programs, technical improvements in automobiles, and tougher alcohol laws can all work towards making our roads safer. We must take these seriously and act collectively to reduce the number of fatalities on the road, which will make driving a safer experience for everyone.