The Importance of Drivers Education to Reduce Fatalities

The Importance of Drivers Education to Reduce Fatalities

By Gia Slogar

In 2019, the National Safety Council estimated 38,800 deaths caused by car accidents and 4.4 million people were injured from car accidents. That is why when driving a car there are many actions that one can do help to reduce the number of deaths caused by car accidents; knowledge of traffic laws, being attentive, and personal safety. Reducing deaths when operating a motor vehicle should include these three things.

Driver education is important. It helps to reduce deaths as an uneducated driver who does not know or understand the rules of the road can risk the lives of not only themselves but also others. Driver education can help enlighten someone on how to safely drive on the road without risking the lives of others. Driver’s education can also help build the confidence needed to drive a car while also anticipating any risk’s that may occur while driving due to weather, road conditions, or other drivers.

Three ways to reduce the number of injuries or deaths related to driving are scanning ahead, attentiveness, and knowledge. Scanning ahead can help anticipate moves that people, whether driving or walking, would make and provide more time to react. Paying attention while driving can also help reduce injury or deaths as you would not become distracted by a phone or the passengers. Knowing the rules of the road can also help as one would not be confused by street signs, traffic lights, or roadways.

While I have not been in a car accident I have seen and been in the car while family members or friends drive irresponsibly. I have been in the car with a family member who speeds and tailgates other drivers and I have seen how those actions are wrong and know not to do them. I have seen my friends driving irresponsibly by speeding and/or texting, as a result they caused an accident and were found at fault.

Some steps I can take to become a better and safer driver are learning to drive safely in different weather conditions, varies flows of traffic, and offering to drive impaired or distracted friends. Learning to drive in different weather conditions will help me prepare for any type of weather I may experience. Becoming familiar in different flows of traffic will help me prepare for others peoples actions, maneuvering through a construction zone, or congested traffic. Offering to drive impaired or distracted friends can help me prepare for stressful situations that may occur while I am driving. Others can practice what makes them nervous or stressed while driving to better prepare themselves for such situations. Everybody should be reminded not to text and drive, drink and drive, and make sure all passengers are wearing their seatbelt.

In conclusion, it is exceedingly important that drivers receive driver education and learn how to safely operate a car while also knowing what the risks are towards themselves and others. Being prepared for any situation that may occur while driving and not overthinking the situation when it occurs can help you safely react. As you have read, reducing the number of deaths is very important as there are ways to prevent those deaths.