Why educated drivers are safe drivers

Driving is a very dangerous thing. While it has become a vital part of all of our everyday lives, there is no denying the dangers associated with driving. My father’s driving instructor put it best, telling her students that they should treat driving as though they were “piloting a guided missile”. However, as with anything, there is safety in education. Drivers who know better how to follow the rules of the road are better drivers. In addition, drivers who understand this as well as the danger that their inability to follow those rules poses are some of the best drivers of all. Therefore, the best way to decrease accidents and deaths related to driving is to educate future drivers on not only the proper way to drive but also on the dangers of not following through with that aspect of their education.

I have experienced my fair share of accidents. I have personally been in three accidents, although I am eternally grateful that none of these resulted in serious injury or hospitalization for any of the parties involved. The first was a T-Bone accident in which a person turned in front of my mother and I after being signaled to do so by another driver while my mother and I had the right of way. The second occurred at a stop light when the driver on the opposite side of the intersection from my mother and I fell asleep at the wheel and slowly rolled into our car. The third was with my grandparents, my grandfather driving slightly intoxicated and colliding with the pole of a sign displaying the speed limit. All of these accidents were highly preventable and likely did not involve inexperienced drivers. Those at fault in all the accidents listed above were experienced and knowledgeable in driving, however they ignored safety in place of convenience which led to injury or damage to the vehicle.

As a new driver myself, I am painfully aware of the dangers of the road. I have seen first hand the reckless ways in which people drive even though they know it is not the proper way to drive. Where I live, reckless driving is endemic and speed limits are seen as mere recommendations. Personally, I have often been passed by drivers in both the right and left lanes while driving five miles per hour above the state speed limit. It is my belief that this behavior would not occur if these drivers understood the dangers that their recklessness put themselves as well as those around them in.

To confirm that this would be an effective strategy in preventing dangerous driving, I discussed the matter with some classmates and found that those who had only been taught the rules of the road in drivers ed had far more accidents and “close calls” as they put them than those who had been advised on the dangers of reckless driving. They agreed with me, knowing that something which they may do for their convenience such as excessive speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence were putting themselves and those around them at immense risk and, as a result, took extreme care to use safe driving techniques. They were more likely to use their turn signals, come to full stops at stop signs, and drive close to or below the speed limit.

While there is no way to ensure that all drivers follow the rules of the road, there is no doubt that educating drivers on the consequences of poor driving techniques is a surefire method of creating more responsible drivers. Therefore, my advice regarding how to prevent future driving deaths is to include education regarding accidents in drivers education. Upcoming drivers should be taught exactly what could happen to them and the other drivers on the road provided they do not practice safe and responsible driving.

This, however, is not the only solution. While irresponsible drivers are responsible for many accidents, there are other factors. Those who wish to avoid accidents should sign up for defensive driving classes, something proven to prevent accidents or at the very least make them less deadly. In addition, there is a point to be made regarding car maintenance. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, poor vehicle maintenance is responsible for an estimated 20% of motor accidents in America. Those wishing to avoid accidents should be sure to keep their car maintained. This includes checking the tire PSI every 3 months and making sure your car receives its yearly inspection in order to ensure that braking and steering mechanisms are fully functional. There is also something to be said regarding avoiding poor driving conditions whenever possible such as driving in heavy wind, rain, snow, or ice.

While the number of deaths related to car accidents may never reach zero, it is our responsibility as drivers to do our part in making the roads as safe as possible. I know I will continue to practice safe driving in my everyday life and I urge anyone else with a license to do the same for the safety of our fellow drivers.