Saving Lives

Driving-related deaths are a major public safety concern in all parts of the world, causing a significant number of fatalities each year. This loss of life has a destructive rippling effect to those beyond direct involvement in an accident. There are few people that haven’t been impacted by car accidents and their consequences. The seriousness and despair of car-related deaths is further exacerbated by the fact that many of these deaths are easily preventable. Knowing how devastating the consequences of reckless driving are, the importance of driver education and accountability cannot be understated.

One essential part of reducing vehicle accident deaths is driver education. Having an educated population of drivers on the road leads to fewer accidents and ultimately, fewer fatalities. During driver education, motorists are taught various driving techniques, safety basics and state traffic laws. This training equips drivers to utilize their skills in a way which keeps them, their passengers, and other drivers safe on the road. For one, driver education helps motorists cultivate an understanding and respect for the rules of the road. It teaches them how to take turns, pass other vehicles, follow speed limits, properly use signals, and read signs. Drivers learn which behaviors constitute a disregard for safety and may end in serious injury or death in an accident. It helps people understand the dangers of driving under the influence and speeding. To add, driver education also emphasizes the importance of defensive driving. This includes how to watch for other vehicles, eliminate distractions — such as using a phone while driving — and being aware of hazards. A key component of defensive driving is anticipating dangerous events. Drivers learn to be aware of their environment and recognize risk factors, such as poor road conditions or encountering drivers who are exhibiting aggressive behavior. This knowledge helps drivers manage their own behavior so they can respond appropriately in a dangerous situation. Meaning they are constantly alert and ready to take action to reduce or prevent an accident. Further, driver education promotes the importance of seat belts and other safety precautions. It trains drivers to use these items correctly and know why they are essential for protecting occupant safety. For example, a seat belt keeps occupants from being ejected out of a vehicle in a crash. This teaches drivers why correct usage of a seat belt can dramatically reduce the chances of vehicle accident deaths. Aside from direct information, driver education also provides drivers with an opportunity to practice what they have learned in a safe setting and develop their knowledge of safety rules and regulations. Drivers with appropriate education become more aware of the dangers that come with careless driving and through this knowledge are better equipped to make the right choices when behind the wheel, which can save a life.

On a more personal note, driving safety doesn’t, and shouldn’t, stop after you complete the course and get your license. It needs to always be in practice and a constant thought. Unfortunately, it’s common for many drivers to get more careless with their driving the longer they’re on the road. Plenty of people only drive safely when they’re worried, they’re being observed by law enforcement. This is plainly unacceptable. As a driver, you have a responsibility not only to the safety of yourself, but the safety of everyone on the road, in your car, and on the street. This leaves no room for thoughtlessness or risks. Even simple things that may not seem as serious such as taking turns too quickly, not stopping all the way at stop signs, and not checking blind spots can still cause catastrophe. The couple of minutes you may save in speeding, running that red light, or tail gating, aren’t worth the potential death and hurt you could cause. The consequences of being late pale in comparison to the consequences of reckless driving. You can’t bring somebody back, that is a wrong you’ll never be able to make right, and a tragedy that will ruin not only your own life, but many beyond the scope of the initial incident. This is exactly why accountability is of the utmost importance when preventing vehicular accident-related deaths. Holding yourself accountable on the road can literally mean the difference between life and death. Further, something many people don’t consider is the accountability of those around you. While we are taught to drive defensively, we’re not taught to hold the people we love accountable as well. Accountability doesn’t end with yourself. If you’re driving with a friend, family member, or other person and they’re being irresponsible, you should be doing something about it. What that is can depend on the situation, but if they’re doing it around you, they’re probably doing it when they drive alone as well. When someone isn’t holding themselves accountable, you can remind them to do so. This may seem rude or awkward in certain circumstances, but the consequences of their recklessness are far scarier than any reaction they could have. Knowing what irresponsible driving can do, the least we can do as individuals is try to keep both ourselves and those around us accountable.

I’ve seen firsthand what unsafe driving can do, in the worst instances, that gut-wrenching devastation is plainly indescribable. To know something so terrible was caused by another person’s decision to disregard driving safety is a very hard reality to accept. Apologies can be made, time can be served, but it does nothing for those who have lost a loved one. It’s incredibly easy to avoid these situations. Driver education gives us the knowledge and tools we need to be safe on the road, and prioritizing accountability helps make sure everybody continues to use those tools. Overall, when you’re on the road, it’s important to remember every decision you make could be life or death, and that’s never a risk worth taking.