Using Your Knowledge While Driving

The statement knowledge is power could not be truer than when it comes to the task of driving. With this being said, the best way for new drivers to gain this said knowledge is through direct experiences and educational courses. Driver education is a crucial part in reducing the number of deaths because of driving. Driver education courses, whether classroom work or behind the wheel experience, provide drivers with opportunities to learn the risks of driving, how to prevent car accidents, and basic rules of thumb when operating a vehicle. If young drivers have the opportunity to participate in a driver education course, they likely will learn how to drive in challenging weather conditions and see visible results of what could occur if they become distracted while driving. All of the information learned during such courses can help young drivers develop into responsible, mature drivers. If a driver learns at young age how to identify and navigate tough situations while driving, they likely will be at less of a risk of being involved in an accident that could jeopardize their own or another person’s life.

When it comes to reducing automobile related deaths, there are several simple steps that can be taken. First and foremost, no one should ever operate a motor vehicle when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Substances such as these often alter a person’s senses, reaction time, and overall judgement. Thus, when intoxicated, a driver is putting themselves as well as others on the road at risk for serious injuries or even death. Another simple step that can be taken is eliminating the use of electronic devices when driving a car. Texting, talking on the phone, or simply scrolling through a social media platform while driving can prove lethal in many cases. Furthermore, small actions that take away a driver’s attention for just a split second, such as eating, changing the music that is playing, or trying to adjust an article of clothing, can have catastrophic results when done while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2018 almost 3,000 individuals lost their lives because drivers had shifted their attention to their cell phone, food, or something other than the road. If drivers eliminate small distractions as mentioned above or choose not to drive while under the influence, they are significantly reducing their risk of being involved in or causing a fatal accident.

Personally, I have only ever been involved in one minor car accident. I was traveling home from a football game on a Friday night with some friends. It was raining, and we were stopped at a red light after being in stop-and-go traffic. While we were sitting at the light, the person behind us did not stop and rear-ended our vehicle. It was not a serious accident; however, it was enough to make all of us involved aware of just how quickly something can go wrong while driving. This experience opened my eyes to just how important giving your complete attention to the road and your surroundings is when driving. After this experience, I am more inclined to point it out to my family and friends if I feel that they are distracted while behind the wheel. I will offer to answer the text message for them, change the music to whatever it is that they want to listen to, or suggest that they wait until we reach our destination to look at someone’s post on Instagram.

I personally have benefitted from both a textbook-driven driver education course and being able to work with a driving instructor through the Greencastle Driving School. Both of these educational programs increased my knowledge in the area of driving safely and responsibly. Specifically, through the driving school, I was able to gain behind-the-wheel experience while working towards earning my license. I feel that I learned extremely valuable lessons and tools while working with my driving school instructor. I had the opportunity to work on driving in hazardous conditions, learning how to properly merge onto highways, how to handle Aside from applying my knowledge gained during driver education courses, I can become a safer driver by limiting my distractions while behind the wheel. For example, putting my phone out of reach before leaving for my destination to help limit my temptation to pick it up to answer a text or change the music. Additionally, the car that I now drive is equipped with a feature that allows me to answer phone or reply to text messages hands free – this feature prevents me from being tempted to reach for my cell phone while driving. I feel that it is my personal responsibility to set a good example for others with my own driving. If they see that I choose to refrain from using my phone, eating, or fidgeting while I drive, they likely will follow suit.