In the Driver’s Seat – Teenager’s Perspective

Driver education can reduce the number of driving related deaths by producing overall safer and educated drivers. Statistically many people die each day because of the lack of road knowledge. Drivers who take a training course will help reduce the number of road related deaths by learning the state’s traffic laws, skills that are essential to the safe operation of a vehicle, skills that may help maneuver or avoid an accident, and overall best driving practices such as distraction free driving tips. Driver education classes should be mandatory for all new drivers regardless of their age and what country they may have moved from. The requirements are different in every state. In Washington state, for instance, if you want your driver’s license when you turn 16, you are required to enroll into a driver’s education course. However, if you are 18 or older you are not required to take a training course to obtain your driver’s license. This seems a bit unbalanced to me because there really is not a significant amount of maturity in regards to road knowledge or etiquette between the ages of 16 and 18 years of age to warrant not taking a driving course of some kind. This actually would apply to all first time drivers of any age. Best practice would be to educate everyone before they join all the drivers on the road. Driver education not only provides knowledge for the drivers, it also helps build the confidence needed out on the road.

There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Some of the more obvious things a driver can implement are using your seatbelt and using it properly, use your vehicle’s signals appropriately (they are there for a reason), do not use alcohol or drugs before you drive, and give yourself plenty of time to travel to your destination so you are not tempted to exceed the posted speed limits. One of the major culprits that can be avoided to reduce traffic fatalities is distracted driving. This can include texting, talking on the phone, too many passengers in the vehicle, eating or drinking, grooming, and loud music. All drivers should avoid all of these distractions. Keep your attention on the road and other vehicles around you and drive with both hands on the wheel. In addition to the steps listed above, also practice self-care and stay safe on the road. There are four techniques you can implement for self-care if you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or angry:

• The first one is breathing – relax your stomach, breath in slowly through your nose, and exhale slowly through your lips.

• The second one is to relax your muscles – close your eyes, make a tight fist and squeeze, and hold it for a few seconds then release. Continue tensing and releasing your muscles throughout your body.

• The third technique is to count – count slowly from 1 to 20 letting your thoughts subside.

• The last one is to know when to slow down – listen to your body and your mindset. If you are still upset don’t drive.

I was involved in an accident when I was younger. My dad and I were driving in our car when another car ran a red light as we were crossing a major intersection and hit the passenger side door of our car. The impact of the other car totaled our car, but thankfully nobody was seriously injured. The driver of the car that ran the red light stated that he didn’t see the traffic light was red even though our light had been green for approximately 30 seconds. It was clear, in the instance, that the driver of the other car was distracted in some way. His distracted driving caused a major accident.

Some steps that I can take to become a better driver are to remain educated on the rules and laws of the road, remove distractions around me, give myself plenty of time to get to my destinations, treat other drivers with respect and kindness, keep my car in good working condition to avoid roadside break-downs, scan the road around me not just in front of me and know my surroundings, carry an emergency kit in my car, and be prepared on the road in any type of weather. I have also implemented a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature on my cell phone that is triggered when connects to the hands-free system in my car. It simple blocks any incoming texts, calls, emails, and any social media alerts while I’m driving.