Back to Our Roots

Back to Our Roots-

Every minute two people die in road traffic, according to the World Health Organization. That’s about an average of 3,424 deaths per day and 1.25 million per year. However, that is excluding the 20 to 50 million people who are injured or disabled due to car accidents every year. The leading cause of car crashes is distracting driving, but many are results of driving under the influence, going above the speed limit and more. All causes, however, are rooted in the ignorance of the person driving. Therefore, in order to reduce the number of deaths related to driving it is important that we start from the beginning and ensure everyone receives the proper education.

Much of this lack of knowledge is a direct result of their driver’s education. Driver’s Ed is a required course for earning a driver’s license, but the process of doing so is different in every state. For example, in California it is required that all those who seek a license must be 16, have their permit for 6 months, take multiple knowledge tests, and complete an online driver’s education course. Along with this, it is also required for Californians to physically complete and pass a behind-the-wheel training course with a driving instructor before even taking the driver’s test! However, in order to receive a driver’s license in South Dakota, it is only required to be at least 16 years old, have a learner’s permit for 6 months (if a minor) and to pass the driver’s test.

Although, most of the information taught in each state is quite similar, many states are not required to learn or do as much as others. Thus, affecting the driver’s overall knowledge of driving and possibly putting them more at risk. It is important that new drivers have plenty of time behind-the-wheel with an adult before recieving their licence. This will allow them to be more experienced. Those with more time in the driver’s seat will be better compared to those who just take online courses describing the rules of the road.

Thankfully, my state has a strict of requirement of a minimum of 50 hours behind-the-wheel before attempting the driver’s test. This helped prepare me greatly and has been a large reason to why I haven’t been in a car accident. My father is another large factor as to why I am so attentive behind the wheel. Being the one who taught me the majority of my driving techniques that I use today, my dad’s number one rule was to “be aware of my surroundings”. In doing so, he always told me to stay far away from the cars in front of me, and to constantly be on the look out for anything unexpected. Most of what he taught me were lessons he learned from when he first received his license, and the more I drive I will also do the same. The education I endured has helped me be a cautious and safe driver; and, with more years I will be able to improve and develop better habits in order to keep me and those around me safe on the road.