Safety in Drivers Ed

Kaylie Rowe – Alvernia University 2023

Safety in Drivers Ed

In the United States, approximately 227,492,862 citizens have their driver’s license, according to a study in 2018. (statistica.com) With over 200,000,000 Americans having a license to drive, that could entail over 200,000,000 Americans driving on our roads and freeways. In most states, new drivers must take a state-funded course on operating a motor vehicle. While many programs can be comparable, they are not entirely regulated. Drivers ed teaches the fundamentals: how to keep yourself safe in a vehicle and precautions to take to keep those around you safe.

In 2018, 39,404 motor vehicle deaths occurred. (injuryfacts.nsc.org) Many of these deaths could have been prevented had there been more precautionary steps involved. To reduce accidents and other traffic violations, one could make a conscious effort to stop at all stop signs, maintain the speed limit on open and constructed road, slow at yellow lights and stop at red lights, stay alert to nearby pedestrians, avoiding cutting off larger vehicles, check that rear and side-view mirrors are adequately adjusted and frequently using them while driving, and keeping distances between slow drivers, large trucks, and motorcycles, etc. Safety should be a top priority to drivers, their passengers and those in vehicles around said driver. If Drivers Ed courses were more elaborated on topics such as rearview mirrors, weather safety, using caution around large vehicles and motorcycles, and reactions to unpredictable wildlife, accidents and deaths could be reduced.

A way to better educate others in having safer driving habits is to practice them while around new drivers and to also share experiences. Quick, logical thinking alongside safety obedience sets a good example for new or careless drivers. While I have never been in a life-threatening accident, I do have friends that lost loved ones due to irresponsible driving. A mutual friend, Nick, was part of the motorcycle statistic in 2017. He was one of 1,100 bicyclist deaths. Unfortunately, Nick was sideswiped by a drunk driver while riding his motorcycle. His death shook my family and friends. I often share Nick’s story to educate others on motorcycle safety and how you can keep motorcyclists on the road safe.

It is imperative to keep one’s mind occupied on safety and driving while operating a vehicle. As one of 227,492,862 licensed Americans, I keep a conscience effort in mind to keep myself, my vehicle, and those around me safe. If 80% of licensed drivers practiced the listed precautionary steps, the number of deaths by motor vehicles could be reduced greatly! It starts with each driver to recognize their habits and work towards keeping our roads safer for everyone, regardless if they are driving.

(2018). Total Number of Licensed Drivers in the U.S. in 2018, by State. https://www.statistica.come/statistics/198029/total-number-of-us-licensed-drivers-by-state/

(2018). Car Crash Deaths and Rates https://injusryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/historical-fatality-trands/deaths-and-rates/