The Drivers ed Initiative

The Drivers ed Initiative

Clifton Savage

8/1/2020

As Americans we pride ourselves in our national defense and military forces. They defend our borders, fight for our freedom overseas, yet in the U.S. an estimated 38,800 citizens lost their lives, and it wasn’t because of a global war per se. While our country saw the Korean War take around 34,000 of our soldiers’ lives from 1950 to 1953, in 2019 alone we saw almost 40,000 deaths right here on our own soil. This is the fatality rate of drivers on our U.S. Highways. This is a war, but we aren’t fighting it as such, and we need to do better.

While many recent years have seen a slow variance in death rates to the likes of 0.9% and 1.3%, that is a difference of 400 or so lives. 400, compared to 40,000, aren’t both too much? From distracted driving, drowsy driving, drunk driving, inexperienced drivers, drivers with ailing vision, and other reasons account for this steep death toll. We all play a role in making a statement and emphasizing how serious a responsibility driving is supposed to be. From celebrities, to doctors, to local community influencers, as well as law enforcement, politicians, and everyone in between, they all play a role in speaking up about highway safety.

It is important to emphasize education and practice well after a driver passes their Drivers Ed tests. Educated drivers are naturally safer drivers not just because they are more knowledgeable, but because they are more self-aware with what is ingrained in them at a younger age and only strengthens with time. Speaking to the community about the importance of paying attention while driving, and to passengers to avoid distracting the driver, is a crucial element to improving driver safety. When we work together, we succeed far better than when everyone is on their own agendas.

Increasing law enforcement surveillance and penalties for offenders of irresponsible driving is a strong way to insight change in the more stubborn or delinquent drivers out there. I personally choose not to ride along with a majority of my friends, and especially not strangers (Uber, Lyft, etc.) because so many people are inattentive due to texting, or scrolling-while driving, and even talking where someone isn’t good at multitasking. I have been in accidents where the driver wasn’t paying attention, or was driving recklessly, and I have been fortunate to step away unscathed. Sadly I have friends and family who have horror stories of car accidents, and even fatalities due to drunk drivers, poor driving ability in inclement weather or long road trips and drowsy driving.

I continue to work on my self-awareness, situational awareness, and especially my patience and humility to let others go. I have learned to judge the body language of drivers and their vehicles as many people are speeding, weaving in and out of traffic nowadays. We must work together to save each other’s lives.