Driver Education: A Practical Solution

Cullen Cole

Driver Education: A Practical Solution

Driver education is the foundation for not only a safer community, but a culture of respecting other’s lives. When somebody gets behind the wheel of a car, they accept the responsibility of following the rules of the road and adhering to safe driving practices. Driver education is the most important and practical way of reducing vehicular deaths. If drivers are educated on the proper ways to react in stressful driving situations, they will be more relaxed and thus make less life-threatening mistakes. But drivers also need to be aware of the consequences when driving recklessly. Sometimes we do not appreciate the significance of driving a 1-ton machine going 40 mph. Especially for young drivers, it seems that people have a false sense of security in their cars; although vehicles are constantly being made safer, this does not necessarily mean they are safe.

Driver education will help more people follow the rules of the road, which have been put in place because it makes safe-driving easier. Going the speed limit and sharing the road are both simple practices that reduce the likelihood of not only accidents in general, but deaths caused by accidents. It is crucial that new drivers are not only taught the rules of the road, but also situational awareness and common practice of safe driving. Things such as slowing down so another car can merge, waiting until there’s a comfortable gap in cars to go, allowing time for the windshield to defrost, and using road signs to your advantage instead of ignoring them are all practices which should be taught although they might not be law. Learning how to drive is not all about the rules, it is about ensuring that every step is taken to mitigate the chance of mistakes. All it takes is a split-second decision before a life changing event.

Personally, I have been in many experiences where a friend or family member was driving unsafe. As a self-proclaimed “good driver” I always try to educate them in a calm, productive way; unlike my parents who did so by pressing the imaginary passenger side brake and taking a deep breath before telling me to pull over. As an individual I can improve my safe driving by driving slower during bad road conditions, making sure my car is in good shape by routinely doing maintenance, and taking breaks on long trips to reduce cramps and tiredness. I can also help my peers by setting a good example while driving, and not getting mad at them when they do something wrong.

In conclusion, education on safe-driving habits is the most practical way to reduce deaths caused by accidents. Individual responsibility will help people realize that it is important to look out for one another, as you would want another driver to look out for you. The first step is realizing that those tiny, careless decisions you make on the road everyday are just as likely to affect a stranger as they are you or your loved ones.