Improving Driver’s Education and Racial Equity

Improving Driver’s Education and Racial Equity

Would you expect every single parent to be responsible for teaching their children mathematics? Many people would answer, “No.” School teachers have been educated and trained to provide students with correct formulas, strategies, and methods of learning this subject. Although parents have likely been taught math in the past, they may have forgotten crucial information and developed improper or even incorrect habits. This example relates to parents teaching kids how to drive. The only difference is that poor mathematical teaching results in an incorrect answer, whereas poor driving education can cost lives. The rule that requires no behind-the-wheel hours with a professional driving instructor prior to taking the learner’s permit test not only influences poor driving education and habits, but it also encourages racial equality. 

Most parents are busy with working, caring for their children, and numerous activities families take on such as sports, family time, grocery shopping, and more. With little time for relaxation, many parents procrastinate getting their 15-year-olds in the driver’s seat. Not only is there a barrier caused by lack of free time, new drivers impose high amounts of tension and stress. When families do find the time for driving lessons, students will hear things like, “Slow down!!” “Don’t you see that car two miles ahead of you? Why are you going so fast?” This kind of stress inducing language discourages teenagers from wanting to drive or creates tense drivers. When drivers are tense and stressed, mistakes are easily made due to overthinking and decisions based on fear. Mandated professional supervision for teens prior to getting their learner’s permits will help solve this problem. Driving instructors are trained to remain calm while teaching teens how to drive. This will enforce a positive attitude towards driving and calm the nerves of new drivers. Calm drivers protect themselves and those around them. 

Moreover, some families will never allow their teenagers to get their learner’s permits because the parents know that they will not be able to complete the mandatory driving hours. Because minorities are far more likely to have their licenses suspended due to reasons unrelated to driving violations, the next generations will not be able to practice driving with their parents. Studies show that teens who are a part of minority families are more likely to be in charge of watching their siblings or young relatives while their parents are at work. Caretaking teens and working parents are often unable to find time when they can both drive together.

Overall, everyone benefits from administering a policy that teens must have professionally supervised driving hours prior to obtaining a learner’s permit and making driving that is supervised by parents optional. Families who choose to participate in parent supervision of new drivers will be soothed by the fact that the teen is already more comfortable driving and has developed safe habits taught by the professional driving instructors. In addition, less privileged teens will not have to rely on their parents to take them driving. If the only behind-the-wheel essential for attaining one’s provisional license is with a professional driving instructor, racial equity will improve as well as overall driver’s education and safe habits.