The Fundamental Purpose of Drivers Education

Many are aware that flying on an aircraft, operating heavy machinery, or navigating boats are dangerous activities, but none suspect driving as one on this list. Driving a vehicle is a normal mundane act of everyday life that most people perform daily and take for granted. Because of this, the importance of driver education is lost and its significance has decreased. According to, The Association for Safe International Road Travel, 1.35 million people die a year due to vehicle accidents. This fact becomes even more worrisome when digested as 3,700 people a day. Many of these accidents are due to human error and negligent drivers. If efficient and productive drivers’ education is taught thoroughly among the younger generation the reduction of lives lost could dramatically change for the better.

If we think about it so many of our relatives, friends, and family are most likely driving right now or doing so at some part of the day. Most likely they will encounter a reckless driver and be spared, but some drivers are currently awaiting to accidentally cause a collision taking a turn for the worst. Our loved ones are at risk every day and we sit back knowingly allow young student drivers to not be properly educated on the dangers of the road.

Establishing risk management among student drivers there must be proper programs established to prevent fewer accidents. Actions such as using a phone or being distracted while driving is one the leading causes of accidents and an item that isn’t stressed enough. Not becoming distracted while driving may not seem as critical as not drinking and driving, but is still just as relative. The subject of absent-minded driving is not discussed enough in regular everyday life and conversing among peers on the topic can create the necessary action to reduce it. As humans, we are accustomed to our routine and everyday life, but when complacency arises that is when crucial mistakes are made increasing the probability of an accident. Using the tool of risk management will help express and address the concerns of distracted complacent driving and could potentially save my or your loved one from a vehicle accident.

I have thankfully not been in any serious or life-altering accidents, but I have encountered an almost life-threatening one. I had been on my way back home with two of my friends from school in the back seat. Michelle was driving and Nicole in the passenger seat as we came to a stoplight. There were no cars around us and the road seemed barren when the light finally turned bright neon green. As my friend started to let off the gas coasting into the intersection an SUV suddenly blasted in front of us from the left instantly disappearing to the right. The black large car must have been going triple the speed limit and caught us all by surprise. Immediately, when this even occurred, I saw my life flash before my eyes as the car missed us by inches. I truly thought we were about to collide with this vehicle and that our existence was about to end. Afterward, I could feel myself becoming emotional as my friends and I discussed how it was a miracle that we didn’t collide. We all agreed that a higher power must have spared our lives. This event was undoubtedly one of the most terrifying experiences of my life.

As I analyze this event I can say with certainty that the driver of this vehicle was preoccupied with something else. This individual had either been using their phone or being negligent not recognizing that they needed to stop when the light turned from yellow to red. He or she ran their red light after moments of it turning red and instead of halting, pressed on the gas continuing to enter the intersection almost killing three young girls. But, as I age I continue to see a trend of reckless driving among my friends and family.

Taking advantage of their cellphones during their short commutes or brief errands is an action my peers often indulge in inside their vehicles. Often checking on notifications in the car is never as urgent as they think it is. I have discussed this extensively among many of my family members on how they should eliminate this task and how destructive it can be. The largest most impactful action I take is bringing awareness to the topic of drivers education including it in daily discussions. By doing this I allow my peers to engage in dialogue about dangerous driving and they pass along the engagement to others. Actively participating in discussions creates solutions to the challenges that we face. Margaret Mead, a societal issues specialist, once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”, exemplifying our fundamental purpose. This word-of-mouth tool is significant in creating acknowledgment among humans that we conduct the hazardous act of driving every day.

As ordinary as it is driving can be unpredictably unsafe and should be used wisely. It is a normal part of everyday life and should not be taken for granted. Many dismiss the significance of driver’s education and don’t acknowledge how important it is. Mainly, how distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle deaths in America. The thought of the people closest to us in danger by reckless drivers every single day is an alarming experience. Most have had at least one occurrence in their life with regards to driving that was brought on by human distraction. By actively discussing the topic among peers, family, and friends we can bring awareness to distracted driving and focus their attention on the roads instead.