Harder Tests for Less Death

Harder Tests for Less Death

“American driving tests are considered easy compared to tests in other parts of the world.” This statement is repeated everywhere on Internet forums regarding driving, and it serves to remind everyone that the qualifications for obtaining a driver’s license in America are easily fulfilled. It is no surprise when accidents occur on the road; the drivers themselves are not necessarily well-trained. To tackle this problem, the level of difficulty of driving tests should be increased, weeding out those ill-equipped to drive, who are most likely to be involved in car accidents. The final goal of this method is to force the driving skills of the average driver to improve, thereby decreasing chance of accidents and hence mortality rate.

This is where drivers ed shows its importance. When the tests become harder, more people are likely to fail, and the passing rate lowered. This would be critical for America, which is far more spread out and less densely populated than most European or Asian countries, along with her people being oriented around the automobile. To maintain the passing rate while simultaneously raising the standard, driving education with difficulty equivalent to the tests should be made accessible to the general public. The average driver, who now needs help with passing the test, would be able to obtain driving education, therefore improving their ability to drive. Now, the general public would be well-trained to drive, while the number of accidents reduced to a minimum.

While a portion of accidents can be blamed on drivers, another portion can be blamed on pedestrians, most notably jaywalkers. Some people cross roads even when the lights are red, endangering themselves and the driver in the car, who now suddenly swerves onto the road in an attempt to dodge the one at fault. In this scenario, while only the jaywalker should be held accountable legally, I believe the fault also extends to their acquaintances, as they did not play a large enough part to dissuade the actions of the jaywalker. If only they were more proactive in promoting following of traffic laws, this accident may not have occurred. However, they did not, and now, what is the result? The accident occurs, and people lose their lives.

I may not have been in a car accident. I may not know friends and family members who are inadequate in driving. Regardless, my friends, my family members and I should all make sure we abide by the laws set, and encourage each other to do so. This extends to everyone in general. Everyone should practice and promote self-discipline, making sure traffic regulations are followed. It may be annoying, it may be ‘going overboard’, but that was most likely the thought process of those who unfortunately passed away in car accidents.

Some accidents are truly ‘accidents’ in the sense that it could not have been prevented in any feasible way. However, some are, and we should make sure that we take precaution through better driving education and self-discipline in abiding traffic law.