Driver Education: The Road Ahead

Knowledge is power. When on the road, it is important to stay vigilant as well as know the rules of the road. Successfully learning and fully understanding these driving concepts can drastically reduce the numbers when it comes to deaths due to driving. Informing new drivers on the hazards that they may come across on the road is vital to reduce those death numbers and create a safer driving environment in general. We see these statistics and often think nothing of them. They’re just numbers, right? No, they’re people, they were real people who were cared for and loved; now lost because of driving incidents. It’s easy to see these stats as nothing but numbers but when you think about how many people have lost their lives because of this, it’s heartbreaking and makes you question why we don’t have a more advanced driving education system.

To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, it is very important to promote and educate on safe driving. Even a short course can make a big difference on how a new driver approaches the road. Preventative measures can be made to decrease the amount of driving deaths we see in statistics today. The rules of the road are laid out and set in stone but you never know who it is you are driving next to, behind, or in front of. Although knowing the ground rules is important, it is also important to be educated about how other drivers are perceived and how you can control your emotions on the road.

For example, road rage is a common concept while on the road. Drivers are frustrated and tired, they just want to get to their destination. While this feeling can sometimes be inevitable, it is not an excuse to drive recklessly or irresponsibly. Not only are you putting your own life in danger by driving this way, you are also putting drivers around you in danger. Dealing with this can be difficult but it can be done. Educating young drivers about how emotions truly affect the way you drive is just as important as knowing the general rules. Having an overwhelming amount of any emotion can lead to accidents. When driving, it is best to be as calm as you can so you are able to stay alert to your surroundings.

Sharing wisdom between drivers plays an important role as well, parents may give their children tips that may not be taught in a classroom. The more you drive, the more experience you get. This puts new drivers at a disadvantage but with the help of more experienced drivers they are able to guide newer drivers through the beginning stages of driving. Being more comfortable and confident in the driver’s seat as well as picking up new lessons from other, more experienced, drivers is significant to prevent common beginner mistakes.

Personally, I have been in a situation where an accident occurred due to a distracted driver. My family and I were on our way home from dinner and we were hit by the car behind us because she was texting on her phone. Because of her irresponsible decisions, she had to get a ticket for driving distracted. On the other hand, we could’ve gotten home safe because we were being responsible but sometimes the situation is out of our hands and it’s those around us who make bad decisions and cause harm to us. The most we can do is be as responsible as we can be and drive safely, doing our part is the most important thing while driving.

To be a safer driver, I can do something as simple as turn on the do not disturb setting on my phone. Paying attention to the road, not only what’s going on ahead but what’s going on all around. Following the traffic rules and being vigilant of any irresponsible drivers. Also, avoiding any distractions in my vehicle such as having conversations or doing another task. Focusing strictly on driving is important for me to be safer on the road. I can also try to help guide others to take precautions on the road. My friends and family can be educated on how to handle different situations responsibly while driving.

Taking the driver’s seat is a huge responsibility but I think with enough knowledge and commitment we can change those statistics for the better. By fully educating ourselves before going on to drive, we can prevent accidents which have taken so many lives.