At What Cost?

Driver education is necessary to reduce the number of automobile deaths. Many drivers are able to pass a written test without the actual knowledge or experience of driving and the harsh consequences it can have. I have experience here because I had a farmers permit. When I first started driving on my own it was overwhelming and I felt as if I didn’t know anything about the road. Steps that can be taken to reduce the number of driving-related deaths could include required driver education classes for ALL drivers. Due to having a farmers permit, all I had to do was pass the simple written test and an easy driving test. I think that many people do this and disregard the prep that they otherwise would have had. I believe that the physical driving test should be more difficult. I live in a small town so all I had to do was drive around two blocks and head back to our court house/DMV. This wasn’t a true test of my driving ability as I was not required to “interact” with other drivers. Another step that could be taken is to increase the age at which new drivers can be. Many places allow 14-15 year olds to drive via a farmers permit or restricted license. If this was increased to age 16 or 17, this would, in theory, decrease the younger teens on the roads. In contrast to increasing the age requirement, the law could require minors to take the driving test again, once one has reached the age of 16 or 17. I think this would decrease those on the road who had gotten set in their young ways of driving. Another step is actually very simple. Driver education should be accessible to all, not just those who can afford it.

I am passionate about this topic due to the early passing of my cousin during an automobile accident. He was on his motorcycle and a vehicle hit him due to confusion/blind sides during a traffic light. My cousin was in his twenties, married, and had a daughter. He had his whole life ahead of him, but in an instant it was gone. He was life flighted to a hospital but was really gone on impact. Could this have been avoided if people were more aware of the driving laws and the consequences that reckless driving could have? After his death I found that I drove exceedingly cautious if I saw a motorcycle. I am aware that motorbikes aren’t the safest thing to ride, and I have always driven safely around/near them. Now I allow them to go around me or I stay away. I would never want to feel the pain that my cousin and who he collided with felt. This brings up another step that could be taken, refresher courses or even a refresher test for those who have had their licenses for 10+ years.

The steps I can take to be safer on the road include staying up to date on new and even old driving laws, decreasing driving irritability, staying more focused on the road, and obeying speed limits. I personally struggle with going into autopilot mode on long drives. I think reducing all of those for me would increase my safety and others around me. Another form of driver safety for myself and others is to live by what you tell others. I believe that putting the phones away while driving is essential. Many people in my life text and drive or even record themselves driving. This causes them to swerve across the road and it diverts the majority of their attention to the phone. While I am no saint, I do try my best to always go into my car with my phone in my purse or pocket to decrease my chances of getting on it.

In conclusion, driver education should be required for all drivers to maintain a safe driving experience. I believe that proper education is necessary for the survival of everyone who drives any type of vehicle and for any age level (within reason). Simple steps can be taken like harder tests, both written and physical, increased age restrictions, and requiring refresher courses/tests for those who have been driving for multiple years. This allows for the knowledge to stay fresh in a more mature brain. Many people stay set in their ways once they have done something for so long, this wouldn’t allow for that “set in stone” mindset.