Behind the Wheel

When you, a friend, or anyone you know, gets behind the wheel, they are taking on a responsibility they may not even realise. During that time, they become in charge of keeping everyone in the vehicle safe. Last year in Canada, the amount of vehicle-related casualties reached an upwards of 2000, and is expected to reach up to 2050 at the end of this year. Of course, nobody actively wants to be a victim in a vehicle-accident, but sometimes drivers make mistakes which lead to unintended consequences. Through exploring the powerful potential behind education and taking proactive measures, we can find effective solutions to reducing driving-related fatalities, and creating a safer environment for our community.

In our efforts to advocate for road safety, driver’s education stands as the main preventive measure for driving-related deaths. The cause of many accidents can be from lack of understanding or awareness regarding road rules and safety measures. “Drivers have become less involved…[in] collision…one [factor] is the ongoing success of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Programs” (Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals). Driver education programs provide essential knowledge on how to safely use a vehicle, and aim to negate any unnecessary incidents whilst on the road. They cover useful topics such as “defensive driving and collision avoidance” (Young Drivers of Canada), which are key lessons that become second nature to those who have taken such programs. Driver’s education also promotes and develops risk awareness in the driver. This means being able to identify dangers ahead of time and act accordingly to stay safe. Its biggest benefit for the individual is that it provides hands-on experience to help build confidence in handling real-world scenarios. These controlled environments will help prepare the driver to make rational decisions, and stay calm under pressure.

In addition to driver’s education, proactive measures play a vital role in reducing vehicle

fatalities and making our roads safer.Making sure your vehicle is in good condition can lessen

the chance of an accident due to machine-failure. Ensuring parts such as your brakes, lights,

and tires are all up to code makes for a more reliable and safer mode of transportation.

According to the Government of Canada, distracted driving was a fifth of the factors for

collisions in 2022 (The Government of Canada). This shows how important it is to avoid, or

entirely remove distractions when driving; as to not become another statistic.

Other easy ways to remain proactive are to follow traffic laws, avoid driving when exhausted, and getting your fellow passengers to support you while driving. Following traffic laws are a fundamental part of road safety. Not adhering to lights, street signs, and traffic signals, only increases the risk of collision for you and other road users. Driving while fatigued can be as bad as driving while impaired, so much so that impaired driving takes up another fifth of the factors contributing to collisions in 2022 (The Government of Canada). Taking breaks andresting when you need to will make you and your passengers feel safer while on the road. Your passengers also have a role to play while driving. They should do their best to create an environment in which the driver is able to focus on the road, and all other factors that come into play when driving. I know that may be difficult with some individuals, such as children, but Reducing distracting behaviours is only beneficial.

Thankfully, I grew up in a household that promoted safe driving from the beginning – allowing me to embody these principles when I became a driver myself. The moment. I was eligible for a driving school I took the opportunity, as becoming the best driver I could be is an ideal I share with those around me. That being said, there have been times where I’ve been in moving vehicles in which I did not feel safe. Times where the driver was actively choosing to distract themselves rather than focusing on the road ahead. That being said, those experiences only strengthen my yearning to become a better driver, and make those I ride with feel safe.

Throughout all this, I believe that many many factors go into reducing the amount of vehicle-based deaths; driver’s education, and taking proactive measures are only some of the important elements a single person can take to becoming a safer driver. So remember, whether it’s you, a friend, or anyone else behind the wheel, be safe. One bad choice can change someone’s life in an instant.