Street Smarts: Lessons I Learned from Driver Education

I took Driver Education during the Fall of my Freshmen year. The year was 2020 and the pandemic had me in quarantine with a lot of time on my hands. My mom researched and found a school offering online Driver Education classes. I agreed with my mom that I should sign up. What better time to learn and study to become a good driver? I had hours and hours to focus on Driver Education. My mom also wanted me to start Driver Education as soon as I met the age requirement, because she wanted to help teach me to drive while I still lived at home. Some friends said they would wait until they turned 18, because the process was simpler to get a license, but my mom wanted me to learn from a qualified instructor in a highly-rated Driver Education program.

My teacher, Ash, introduced himself and informed us that while we were virtual, the information was the same as if we were in person, and we would be tested on the same information as any other young adults in Driver Education. We spent Saturdays learning traffic laws, road signs, and defensive driving skills. Ash emphasized not driving with a group of friends in the car when we spend our first year behind the wheel to avoid distractions. He was a very firm and direct teacher, and his class helped me immensely. I studied daily to pass my Driver Education course. I was nervous on test day, but I scored a 95%. I then continued to study for my permit.

The big takeaway from my Driver Education class was to be prepared, understand the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle, and avoid distracted driving. I studied for weeks to be able to answer the hundreds of questions that would potentially appear on my permit test. I passed my permit test on the first try. The next step was to drive with a parent for 60 hours over six months and keep a driving log. This step may have been more nerve-wracking for my mom than me. She said “radio off – no music. You don’t need a ‘vibe’ to drive to.” Also, the “invisible” brake on the passenger side of the car got a workout. She would tap the floor *a lot* when I first started driving. Needless to say, I improved with time, practice and my mom’s support and patience.

A big point Ash made was that we should never answer our phones or text while behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents and deaths on our roadways. I took his words to heart, but I think a campaign that shows the risks of using your phone and driving would be very impactful for everyone in our country. My teenage friends are well aware of the dangers of drinking and driving, but they will pick up their phones to answer a quick text or switch a playlist on Spotify. I would like to see the DMV hold informational sessions in high schools and show videos and images of accidents caused by phone use while driving. Further education is needed as I see many adults on the road who are swerving while using their phones. I have never been in a car accident, but sadly I see my peers in the school parking lot and elsewhere driving irresponsibly while on their phones. I know many young drivers believe they’re invincible, so perhaps bigger fines should be given to anyone who uses a phone while driving during the first two years with a license.

Another idea that comes to mind is to include sensors that detect distracted drivers in cars. Roadside detectors on highways could monitor a phone being picked up and lead to a fine for distracted driving. Sensors could also be included in cars that detect eye movements; similar to how cars with hands free cruise control and lane assist require the driver’s eyes to be on the road in order to operate. This solution may prove costly, however I’d put no price on the lives that would be saved through this potential safety initiative. Phone free driving could also fall to the responsibility of car manufacturers in order to protect drivers. I’d like to see innovations, such as a phone mount that locks your device in place while driving. The potential success of this project would rival Volvo’s creation of the seatbelt in terms of lives saved.

In order to be a safe driver, I can remember my Driver Education teacher’s words and continue to make smart choices behind the wheel and avoid distracted driving. I’ll also never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. I can keep the conversations going with my friends about the risks of phone use while driving and encourage them to be proactive about spreading the same message. Maybe one day, I’ll use my education to help develop a new device for automobiles or a public safety campaign about the dangers of distracted driving.