Stop at the Stop

In the United States, the number of vehicles on the roads continues to increase, paralleled by a concerning increase in driving-related fatalities. According to reports, in 2016 there were at least 115 million cars and trucks hitting the American roads every single day. And according to the Department of Transportation, more than 37 thousand people were killed due to driving. Every day, a mother, father, daughter, and a son pass away due to driving mistakes that might have been prevented through quality, proper driver education.

Driver education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities for modern traffic. Every sign and law is created to ensure the safety of all those that use the road but if the driver does not know what they mean, they do not serve their purpose- they become rather useless. A driver education curriculum will also enable drivers to learn defensive driver techniques reducing risk and keeping themselves, their property, and others safe. For instance, they will learn how to overcome road and weather hazards, lack of visibility, and other emergencies that might come up. Last but not least, a driver education course will promote responsible behavior as drivers learn the devastating consequences of irresponsible behavior including driving under the influence, texting and driving, and other distractions. By understanding the consequences, drivers will be less likely to commit such offenses. By instilling these principles, driver education will empower individuals to make informed decisions and mitigate risks on the road ensuring the safety of themselves and others.

Now driver education alone will not be enough to stop drivers from being reckless- as many just click through such courses without regard. Along with driver education courses, visible law enforcement is vital for deterring reckless driving behaviors and enforcing traffic regulations. Increased police patrols, particularly in areas prone to speeding and other dangerous driving practices, will work to create safer roads. I have personally seen the effectiveness of this method as in front of my house there is a stretch of road that changes speeds from 45 mph to 35 mph. For the longest time, it was common to see drivers whizzing by at 50 mph but recently for the past few months, law enforcement has been randomly patrolling the area leading individuals driving at the speed limit. Many speed and commit other traffic violations because they believe that they will never be caught- this belief will become challenged with increased law enforcement presence reminding them to follow the rules. Educating drivers, particularly those at the high school level, about the grave consequences of reckless driving is vital for creating a road full of educated drivers. Reckless driving programs offer firsthand glimpses into the devastating aftermath of dangerous behaviors, fostering empathy, understanding, and caution amongst participants and audience members. My school did a similar program with the local police department and to this day the lessons that we learned continue to ring in the heads of me and my friends. Many people don’t realize that reckless driving affects the whole community and this program really drove that lesson home. In conclusion, these programs not only raise awareness but also create a sense of responsibility contributing to safer road environments.

Yet despite the various programs, speeches, and news about the effects of reckless driving, I still have friends who continue to drive recklessly. And I believe that the reason for this is due to the belief amongst the younger generation that careful driving is boring and lame, and reckless driving is a thrill and cool. Therefore it is necessary to reframe this and promote the idea that responsible driving is commendable in order to shift the social attitude towards safer behaviors. After all, stop signs are not meant to be ignored, speed limits are not meant to be challenged, and doing doughnuts is not how a car or parking lot should be utilized.

My parents, despite being exceptional drivers, have experienced a car accident. When they came home, they described to me the jarring pain that they felt both physically and mentally as they saw the car hurtling toward them without stopping at the stop sign. Though they were not gravely injured, they would tell me that they could still feel the aftermath ringing through their bodies weeks later. Now whenever they go out for longer drives, I find myself worrying if they will come home the next time. Because the terrifying thing is, it doesn’t matter how good of a driver you are if others do not drive safely, your life is at risk.

As for me, to be a safer driver, I continue to stay informed on traffic regulations, adhere to safe driving practices, and actively encourage my friends to do the same by leading by example. This approach, built around collective action and individual responsibility fosters a culture that prioritizes safety of all individuals behind the wheel and works to make each journey a safe one.