educate drivers… save lives

The importance of driver education cannot be described in words. It is vital for drivers to know the power they hold and the essential qualities, such as concentration and level-headedness, that are needed to accompany such a responsibility. Essentially, it is key to safety on the road. It helps drivers to understand when they should do what and the precautions they should take. They learn when it’s their right of way and when they should give way so that there is no/little traffic, or rather ‘hold-ups’. This ensures that no one is inconvenienced, as well as limiting the possibilities of any disagreements or fights.

Driver education is vital in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. This is because, as I mentioned before, it ensures that people on the road are aware (and able to follow) all of the rules. These rules teach drivers what is the response they should take to situations that might otherwise result in tragedies like lost lives and severe injuries. If you ask me how this relates to driver education, the answer is simple – the rules ARE taught in driver education (more so in the theory section than the practical). Furthermore, the practical side (the actual driving test) filters the people who are on the road driving. Instructors test the drivers’ knowledge and respect for the protocols, as well as their ability to drive (safely).

There are a number of ways to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. First of all, always ensure that ALL passengers wear their seat belts in case of an accident – this includes the driver (who should not be driving if under the influence of alcohol or drugs). Next, drive at the speed you’re confident you should be driving at on the particular road. It is important not to let the situation influence your speed. For example, if you’re getting late for a meeting or appointment, it does not mean that you can drive at 100 miles per hour on a 20 miles per hour road. The only 2 factors that should influence how fast you are driving is the speed limit (of the road) and the speed you are confident driving at – this has to be within the speed limit. Furthermore, make sure to keep your eyes on the road at all times…. That means definitely no messaging and no phone calls when driving, even if it is a bluetooth call. Drivers can’t afford to be distracted.

To become a safer driver, it is important that you minimise the distractions. Keep the phone as far as possible and don’t eat while driving – you need both hands on the wheel so as to make sure that you don’t lose control. To add, you need to focus so drive only when you’re well rested and sober (not under the influence of drugs and alcohol). This ensures your safety and the safety of others on the road. There is actually not a lot you can do to help others become safer on the road as, I feel, it is their responsibility. One thing you can do to help others is by signalling to them if their headlight/indicators aren’t working. This helps them stay safe as it limits the chances of any accidents.

It is often that I see people lose their temper on the road, mainly because someone cut in without indicating or because they joined the traffic when they weren’t given way (and it isn’t their right of way either). Someone I personally know has this trait – to get angry when they feel like other drivers are in the wrong. Once, whilst on the way to school, this person chased another vehicle for cutting in without indicating; they felt this was dangerous but what they didn’t realise was that while chasing the vehicle, we (passengers) were being put in danger. There were no indicators, no stopping and a whole lot of speeding. This is just one example of irresponsible driving. Another example is when we got into an accident when my mum was driving. We were parked at the side of the road and a van, who was parked behind, drove into the car and bumped us from the back. This resulted in my sister getting injured, but not too seriously thankfully. Although we were all fine, this was reckless driving and an extremely good example of the importance of driver education (and their tests).

Driver education is necessary… It can and will save many lives.