Driver Education Initiative-Annual Scholarship Opportunity-Response

What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving?

I believe reading the updated state manual, ‘backseat driving’, and obtaining experience with a well-trusted adult, is the best way to learn. Reading the state driving manual where you can learn about traffic laws, courtesy laws, street signs, and have a basis of understanding weather and emergency conditions. Reflecting what you’ve learned before and during your trusted guardians driving is great review for both the student driver and the guardian. Here in Utah, is not required, but should be, that anyone over the age of 40 should retake their driving license test as if for the first time. Maybe, with advancing technology, to keep everyone safe, we can practice and test with realistic computerized driving simulations. Finally, laws limit a student driver if they find that their parent or guardian isn’t as good a fit as a relative. For example, my legal guardian granted me permission to learn from a trusted relative who took NASCAR and RNR courses, as well as driving tow and diesel trucks for several years, and had a perfect driving record. As do I. A learning student should not only pay close attention but also think critically on the road about their mentors performance.

What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?

Online, there are websites and cause to raise awareness about causes of deaths due to car accidents while also giving tips for students as young as 12 as well as parents. And while the statistics and tips seem simple, most people aren’t following through. First, wear your seat-belt and ensure all passengers are as well. Before driving, check you mirrors, make sure your seat and steering wheels are right where you need them, and check the breaks. This will help your awareness, navigation and reaction time if needed. As much as we love having company, that is the number one biggest distraction. Even when driving becomes second nature, manage how much conversations with passengers are taking your focus from the road. It does not matter how good you think you are at driving, or however many technological assistance you may have- do not text, answer calls, engage google maps, change songs, or even look at your phone while driving! You can always pull over if necessary and nothing is more important than what is in front of you. Keep your phone in the glove box or somewhere out of reach if it is too tempting.

Furthermore, don’t drive emotionally compromised. If you’re angry, or crying, in panic, or excited- take some deep breaths, scream in your car, google a grounding technique, or, crank up the music to let it out, but it is extremely important that one does not drive under these conditions. To drive safely, one must be sound of mind, mindful, and responsive. With less than 4 seconds to make a decision (changing lanes, merging, yeilding, etc.), a person needs to be able to think ahead, critically, and trust their instincts. This is also the best way to avoid road rage, blurred vision, runny noses, and an under or overreaction to a drivers surroundings. Both hands need to be on the wheel at all times.

Have a good sense of spacial awareness. Check your mirrors frequently. Even if traffic is slow or crowded, maintain a car length distance between the car in front and behind you. Try to plan ahead so you know where you need to be to avoid any impulsive decisions. Maintain your speed when changing lanes. Drive defensively, meaning, people around you can and will make mistakes, rather than react, respond. Adapt to your environment while maintaining as safe of a distance between you and other vehicles as possible. Try not to slam on your breaks if possible either. Rather, try to maneuver around a car safely or speed up instead. The Utah’s driver’s handbook of 2016 reported that a person was less likely to have an accident, or, take the least amount of damage that way.

Finally, know who you’re trusting behind the wheel. Including yourself. If you see something- say something. Better to deal with a moment of disappointment, tension, or inconvenience than to cause an accident. It may seem obvious, but don’t drive intoxicated. One drink is enough to alter your thinking and hinder your reaction time (not to mention you will get your license revoked.) Unfortunately, many people do it. It does not matter how good a driver, or how high their tolerance, do not take a person’s word or be overly confident in your abilities.

Have you ever had an experience of being in a car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly?

Yes, and yes. As someone who has been practicing driving at 14, got her license at 18, and is now 22, I am continuously learning and paying attention to any updates since my previous driving exams. My friends and family however, have adopted some bad habits that could have caused a serious accident had others around them not been paying attention. This is where YouTube becomes a best friend.

In 2019, I was a passenger of a friends car. She did not tell me that her front passenger seat was faulty. Which worsened my injuries when a white dodge ram going 45mph made a head on collision from behind while we were stopped waiting to turn left on a main road. Her car was totaled. We both abtained minor neck and shoulder injuries, but sever concussions. As of now, a few years later, I am still affected by post concussion syndrome, a mild traumatic brain injury. Her father gave her the advise to check your rear view mirror before turning left in case a car behind was coming too fast. I have done so since and on multiple occasions doing so as avoided another accident.

There have been numerous occasions where friend and families were driving distracted or under the influence. I have asked as calmly as possible for friends to put the phone down and for my mom to stop doing her make up while the car is moving. This is where I insist on driving. And there have been occasions where friends and family were under the influence without my knowledge until after agreeing to ride with them. They seemed put together until they would giggle as they’d veer lanes, or, be harsher on their brakes than normal, or, yell a cars for no apparent reason. Knowing what I know now I always ask about a person’s activities before agreeing to drive and if there is a hint of any of such behavior I will take UTA transit, lyft, or ask another available family or friend.

Finally, and I’m guilty of this too, never drive tired. Driving drowsy is worse than driving intoxicated or being distracted. Talk to someone, sing along to the radio, eat something to keep your energy up, but never push your limits too far on the road. Find the nearest rest stop, exit, pull over, or park for the night.

What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help other become safer on the road?

Again, trying to stay as up to date with driving instructions, traffic laws, and courtesy laws as possible. Observe and ask about people’s methods as they drive when a passenger. And to hold myself accountable, I like to ask my cousins who are learning to drive to ‘backseat drive.’ Tell me what the road signs mean, ask me why and how I know when to follow the flow of traffic and anticipate any potential problems. How to plan ahead.

Look for cars that best suit my driving style as well as the activities I intend to do with the vehicle (travel long distance, go offroading, etc.) and keep the car up to date with maintenance. Keep up the breathing exercises and do some jumping jacks to keep the blood flowing and heighten my senses. Test myself on a free driving test quiz. Continue to watch Youtube videos. Keep an extra close eye on motorcycles and possible pedestrians on the roads and highway. If safe, pull over and remove any debris that might cause an accident. At the soonest and safest convenience, if I see something that looks off, say something and avoid that driver.