Driver Education in a 2020 COVID World

Driver Education in a 2020 COVID World

Most fatal accidents in the United States occur when people are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fatigued, or distracted from the road. Driver education is pivotal in bringing awareness to new drivers, so they understand the gravity of these statistics. This subject hits close to home for me, as someone who has a younger sister that is a new driver; she will not be able to participate in a conventional driver education classroom experience, due to limitations of COVID-19, which I find somewhat worrisome, since she will potentially miss out on important information.

Beyond the foundational information provided from driver’s education courses, additional steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. First and foremost, drivers should be fit to take the roadway, free from any influence of drugs/alcohol and ensure they are wide awake. Drivers should make a habit of avoiding distractions while driving; this can be done by setting temperature controls, making a radio selection, and fastening seatbelts prior to engaging the vehicle. Additionally, phones should be placed in driving mode, preventing text messages and other notifications that would serve as distractions to the driver. In communities where accidents have peaked, safety checks could be established to check for tired or influenced drivers.

I am a good and safe driver and have been fortunate not to be directly involved in an accident while behind the wheel; however, I have been involved in two serious accidents while others were driving. One was the result of poor weather conditions, and the other was the result of a semi-driver running a red light and t-boning our vehicle. In neither instance was my driver distracted, tired, or under the influence; realizing that you are only part of the equation is key in understanding how to be a safer driver. You can be doing everything right and still be involved in an accident due to the carelessness of others, so it is even more important to control what you can to ensure safety on the road.

Driving defensively and being present and focused on the road is key to safe driving. Learning these lessons in the classroom helped me to become a better driver, and I worry that a large number of new drivers are missing out on this opportunity due to COVID-19. Luckily, I have been able to provide assistance to my sister with any questions she may have related to driving etiquette and rules of the road; similarly, I would like to provide new drivers in my community with a forum to ask any questions they may have, as well. Through comparable educational resources, we can ensure more motorists take to the roadways in a safe, cautious, and informed manner.