In The Driver’s Seat

“In The Driver’s Seat”

Driving is a major activity in many people’s daily routine; in fact, some drive for a living. Most drivers have become immune to how dangerous driving can be. Rarely would someone confess to a fear of driving, compared to some of the most widespread fears of flying or heights. Yet, driving continues to be one of the leading causes of deaths across all age groups. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2 out of 3 motorists will be involved in a serious accident in their lifetime; and 66% of road fatalities are caused by aggressive driving (SafeMotorist.com, 2019), mainly speeding. For over two decades, speeding has remained the number one reason for road fatalities. Imagine speeding because you are running late for work, school, or an appointment, and in the process causing an accident. Is one’s life valued less than being punctual? The answer to that question is obvious and thus underscores the importance of being an educated driver and practising safe driving to reduce vehicular accidents.

Driver’s education is vital because it thoroughly prepares drivers for the road. A study by the AAA Foundation proved that teens who participate in driver’s education are less likely to be in car crashes. They also score higher on their driving tests, and have greater long-term knowledge of driving rules and skills, as compared to their peers who did not receive drivers ed. A driver’s education course helps teenagers operate a vehicle, develop fundamental driving manoeuvres and reinforces traffic regulations. Drivers ed also fosters defensive driving, which promotes safety and allows drivers to anticipate outcomes on the road and be more prepared and confident to handle them. This course encourages drivers to always put safety first and respond more effectively to difficult situations, which are very important to prevent accidents.

I have not been in a car accident, but I witnessed some friends driving recklessly. One night, after leaving a party, there was a car overloaded with passengers; six people total, some persons being my friends. The driver was intoxicated, but he claimed he could drive. As they were leaving, onlookers saw the car speeding, swerving, and going off the road. Thankfully, a sober passenger convinced the driver to let him drive instead, before moving unto any busy roads. I cannot help but fear the possible outcomes of that event, namely death and pain caused to six separate families if that driver drove any further. This memory reminds me of the responsibility a driver has for not only himself but also his passengers and the surrounding persons.

The government and enforcement agencies must take measures to reduce vehicular deaths. These steps include improved vehicle standards and inspections, better road maintenance, inclusive of proper lighting and signs, stricter rules and its enforcement, hefty fines for disobeying the laws, and the use of speed detection technology such as speed cameras and guns. Additionally, increased public education through media, community and school outreaches, and continuous training of emergency response services to improve the response rate and treatment of accident victims. A 2019 article in the European Parliament news highlights that EU roads are the safest in the world, with road fatalities being halved in the last two decades. This achievement is due to existing legislation and its continued amendments. Recent efforts include new rules that will make several safety features mandatory in new cars. They predict that these features could substantially reduce 95% of road fatalities. Therefore, government involvement is the key to reducing road fatalities.

Above all, the driver must take responsibility and adopt steps to be a better driver. Firstly, engaging in a refresher defensive driving course will be beneficial. Drivers need to be reminded to follow the traffic and driving rules, including speed limits, traffic lights and wearing seat belts. I will continue to practice proper driving habits such as do not tailgate, use car indicators, and fix mirrors to reduce blind-spots. It is also essential to stay focused and alert while driving. Driving requires active thinking. Staying focused on driving only is crucial. Therefore, remove all distractions such as phones and eating, and never drive tired or under the influence of drugs that impair physical movements. These practices allow drivers to react quickly to any circumstance. Personally, witnessing some of my friends and family engaging in the above habits, such as eating or using the phone while driving, I will remind them of the dangers of being distracted and trying to multi-task while driving. I believe this is one way I can help others be better drivers. Lastly, it is essential to remember drivers are not the only users of the road, pedestrians also, and it is crucial to keep them safe. Over 270,000 pedestrians lost their lives globally, representing almost 1/5 of the total number of deaths (WHO, 2013). To protect pedestrians, drivers must always pay attention to their surroundings and drive responsibly. Improvements in walk spaces and safer crosswalks with better visibility are necessary. If the above is taken into consideration, drivers and others will be safer on the road.

In conclusion, driver’s education is a crucial step in becoming a safer and more knowledgeable driver, which can contribute to a decrease in vehicular fatalities. I believe that if the above regulatory and behavioural changes do not occur, road accidents will continue being a leading cause of deaths worldwide.

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