Driver’s Education

In 2019, the United States had the highest motor vehicle crash death rates. Also in 2019, there were 36,098 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic and 19,525 fatalities in 2023. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car crashes are estimated to be the eighth leading cause of death globally for all ages. More people around the world are dying from the cause of a car crash than from HIV or AIDS; making distracted driving the main cause of accidents globally.

Automobiles are the number one form of transportation in the United States and yet vehicles are responsible for millions of deaths worldwide. Each year around the world an estimated number of a million people are killed just trying to get to their destination. These accidents are sudden and life changing tragedies for all parties involved.

Drivers get too comfortable sometimes and forget that any second something can happen. We have to educate people and make them more aware of how dangerous a vehicle can be. Driver’s education makes a big difference in communities. By not only informing people about the right and wrong things to do while driving but precautions to take when in a vehicle to prevent certain things from happening. For example, seatbelt safety, how important it is to go the speed limit, how to not be intoxicated or under the influence while driving, what to do when you have a blow out, or if there’s ice on the road, or if the sky is too foggy. The more you know about something the more you are able to control the situation. Do you know the saying that what you do not know cannot harm you? Well in driving it is completely different, the more educated you are, the higher chance you have at knowing what to do in a situation. Driver’s education is a major factor in a safer driving experience which plays a huge role in reducing deaths.

There are many ways to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. One way is going the speed limit. High speeds on open or congested roadways or roads with construction, lead to the opportunity of accidents especially in unfavorable weather conditions . Another way to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is to double check the position of your mirrors continuously while driving and switching lanes. Nine times out of ten you are not the problem but the people around you are. Another way to be a safer driver is to be attentive on the road. Paying attention to your surroundings is key and do not drive distracted. If you are tired and find yourself drifting asleep or if it is hard to see due to weather conditions while driving, pull over, safety comes first. And most importantly, wear a seatbelt. It is proven that wearing a seatbelt reduces your chance of death by 45%.

In 2001 I lost an Uncle due to reckless driving. He was out with his friends one day racing not wearing a seatbelt when all of a sudden they hit a tree and he went flying out through the front windshield. So I make sure everyday to wear a seatbelt and to not take advantage of the speed limit. I have friends who just hop in my car and do not put a seatbelt on. I tell them this story in hopes for it to scare them but also to make them listen and understand. All of my friends have cars and at least once we have done something irresponsible on the road and just because something has not happened now does not mean it will not, so if I can take the steps to prevent it I will.

As a young adult there are certain things I can do to help me increase my driving skills and be a better and safer driver. I can continue to go the speed limit and be patient and not an irrational driver with others on the road. I will always wear a seatbelt, as well as read into more safer tactics while driving on the road. I will not only improve on my road safety techniques, but will also work on being calmer on the road and to not let my anger get to me. For other people I just advise you to check your surroundings while driving and to stay alert and do not be distracted because in a blink of an eye anything can happen.