Drivers’ Education Reform Now!

The famous LA poet Wanda Coleman stated numerous times in her poetry that “to live is to drive.” This couldn’t be more prominent in our fast-paced, competitive world. Although, modernity has also proven that getting behind the wheel could be a death sentence.

I think the significance of utilizing driver education to reduce driving casualties goes unsaid. Transportation is too vital for people to function properly in the economy and currently, driving is too dangerous. It’s such an interesting paradox how the very thing that can sustain your life could also strip you of it. Fortunately, steps can be taken to improve safety on the road.

Everyone’s outlook and mindset on driving differs from individual to individual. Some itch to get out on the open highway every day and others wear a cloak of anxiety every time they drive. The first step I believe needs to be addressed in order to improve drivers’ wellbeing is encouraging those who do not feel ready to drive to not drive. I understand that most people do not have the luxury to just cease driving however, there are other alternatives such as public transportation. It’s worth it to arrive at a location later due to the lag of a bus than to possibly kill another in a collision. Also, it is common knowledge that newer drivers are more likely to get into accidents opposed to seasoned drivers. Teenagers are often under a lot of pressure to begin driving from their parents and peers, so too many apprehensive 16-year-olds hop into the driver’s seat and wreak havoc. While we should allow those who feel they are unfit to drive to not drive, there needs to be more resources to aid those with driving anxiety. So many people, including myself, continue to be ridiculed for our concern. For me personally, I have a fear of not having control because even though I can do everything to ensure the safety of others, I cannot foresee the crazed driver that I may cross paths with, or the tree branch that could land in front of my moving vehicle. I believe that once a widespread and positive discussion begins about driving anxiety, people will feel better about driving and deaths will be reduced.

Furthermore, I am 19 years old, so I am not that far off from the driver’s education process and I do not recall learning about defensive driving. After studying all the courses, I felt equipped in my knowledge of the rules of the road; however, I did not know how to drive defensively. I had to learn by spending more time on the road once I got my license and with advice from my parents. California’s DMV has a Mature Driver Improvement Program for drivers who are 55+ years old. Amongst the numerous driving refreshers in the program, these elderly drivers are also taught defensive driving. Why isn’t this included in the current driver’s education curriculum as well? I think a part of the driver’s test should be one’s knowledge on defensive driving. Teaching this to new drivers will contribute to the longevity of a new driving safety because drivers wouldn’t have to figure out protective driving on their own. As soon as they would be licensed to drive, they would have an idea of how to shield themselves from erratic drivers. Instead of making a fatal decision because of panic, they’ll be ready to handle the situation with the least possible destruction. A natural outcome of implementing protective driving into driver’s education and thus, improving driver’s wellbeing, is easing a driver’s anxiety about operating a vehicle. Driving is purely psychological, so this aspect of learning will improve people’s overall driving confidence.

I can recall a crucial time in high school where the lack of driving safety appalled me. It was Homecoming night in 2019, my senior year. I pulled up to the park where all my friends and I were going to take pictures before the dance. A bunch of us got there early, so we were clustered in the parking lot chatting until we heard tires screech, steel colliding, and glass shattering. Our heads turned toward the scene and we slowly went to investigate. Walking turned into jogging and then into sprinting when we saw our friend Joseph’s car compressed like a crushed can of soda. His windshield was smashed, but still intact and sparkled like white wash. Once we all arrived at the sidewalk, he escaped his wrecked, crimson mustang and met the mob of us, his face pale and blank. The man he collided with was also fortunate enough to have been able to exit his car and sat on the sidewalk speaking gibberish out of shock. It was a miracle everyone was okay. As pictures commenced and more of my peers found their way to the park, some were crying because they got into car accidents with other students on their journeys. We were too young to be so close to death in such a random fashion. I have seen irresponsible driving firsthand and do not wish the destructive consequences upon anyone, which is why I believe driver’s education reform is necessary.

Up to this point I have expressed how others should go about improving driving safety, so it’s only fair that I express how I’ll make an effort myself. First of all, if I am too tired or do not feel psychologically equipped to operate a vehicle, I won’t. I will also do what is known as “mirror driving,” something that should just be referred to as “driving;” however, not everyone does this. “Mirror driving” entails checking all three of my mirrors every ten seconds or so in order to always be aware of my surroundings. It helps me be on the defense in case an erratic driver is approaching. Above everything else, I will be a patient driver. Too many times people lack patience and swerve into other cars or exceed the speed limit. I believe being patient ensures that you will abide by the laws of the road without difficulty. I also believe a part of being a safe driver is aiding others to do the same. When I am a passenger I will be extra eyes and ears for the driver in case I see impending danger they have overlooked. Plus, I can help them abide by the rules of the road such as not speeding or stopping completely at a stop sign.

Drivers’ education deserves reform, yet I can do my part for now, to improve our roads’ safety.