In the Driver’s Seat

Driver education is crucial in reducing the number of deaths as a result of irresponsible driving. Car accidents occur every day due to careless drivers whether that be from using a cell phone, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, or simply from lack of driving experience and knowledge. Studies show that approximately four hundred fatal car crashes occur every year as a result of texting while driving. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety claims that one in every three drivers knows someone who has been injured or killed in a car crash because of texting and driving. Ninety-four percent of teenagers claim to understand the risks of using a cell phone while driving, but thirty-five percent admit to doing it anyway. Another large portion of irresponsible driving comes from those who operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Approximately twenty-eight people die a day in the United States alone due to drunk driving. Fifteen percent of all fatal car crashes are caused by those who have not reached the legal drinking age (ages fifteen to twenty). In addition to irresponsible driving, many drivers do not know simple traffic protocols such as who has the right of way, yielding at a green light before making a left-hand turn, how to properly merge onto the interstate, et cetera. Before one gets his or her license, the driver should be educated for any and all driving situations for the purpose of the driver knowing what to do in every day commute or during emergency situations. All of above situations (texting while driving, driving while under the influence of alcohol, and being an uneducated driver) have simple solutions, but take cooperation of the driver. Showing both adults and teenagers the consequences of irresponsible driving will help people understand that although driving is easy, all it takes to get in a car crash is driving irresponsibly just one time. Sadly, after a driver has gotten away with being irresponsible once, he or she most likely will drive irresponsibly again. Showing drivers the consequences of irresponsibility behind the wheel is crucial in preventing the driver from being irresponsible even one time. If all drivers saw the results of carelessness while operating a vehicle, the possibility that drivers may be more cautious when driving may occur. In addition to showing new drivers the effects of irresponsible driving and the accidents that have occurred because of them, increasing the number of hours one needs in order to get his or her license should be implemented. Although most teenagers are eager to get his or her license as soon as possible, teenagers’ safety is the first priority. Furthermore, adding to the number of hours one needs with a driving instructor before obtaining a license will help reduce the number of accidents due to the increase in driver education. I personally have never been in a car accident due to driver irresponsibility. However, I know many people who text and drive. On multiple occasions, I have had to tell my friend to pay attention and get off of her phone because she has almost hit the car in front of her. Although I have never been in a car accident due to irresponsible driving, I have almost gotten in a car accident multiple times because my friend was not paying attention to the road. On one occasion in particular, my friend was on her phone changing the song that was playing when suddenly a woman riding her bike on the side of the road to the right of her on the shoulder of the road turned in front of her car to make a left-hand turn with no indication. If I had not yelled for her to brake, she would have hit the woman on the bike and we would have been dealing with a completely different situation than what we had. This situation shows that in an instant, something can happen and if one is not paying close attention to the road, reacting in time is almost impossible. A way that I can be a better and safer driver is staying off of my cell phone, wearing my seat belt, and being aware of my surroundings. Staying off of my cell phone is crucial in preventing a car accident due to irresponsible driving. As previously stated, something can happen in an instant that requires a quick reaction and if I am not paying attention, I could endanger myself, other drivers on the road, and pedestrians as well. A way that I can help others be safer on the road is encouraging my friends to stay off of their phones, keeping their eyes on the road, and wearing their seatbelts. Ultimately, increasing driver education as a whole will help decrease the number of deaths as a result of irresponsible driving. Showing beginners the results of irresponsible driving may help he or she realize that the consequences of these actions must be taken seriously. Most accidents caused by uneducated or irresponsible drivers do not end in small accidents, but large, costly ones that also may result in death. Properly educating new drivers in how to operate a vehicle responsibly is crucial in decreasing the number of deaths caused by irresponsible and uneducated drivers.

Works Cited

Borrelli, Lena. “2022 Drunk Driving Statistics.” Bankrate, https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/drunk-driving/

Borrelli, Lena. “Texting and Driving Statistics 2022.” Bankrate, https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/texting-and-driving-statistics/#:~:text=America%20has%20a%20dangerous%20epidemic,driving%2C%20according%20to%20the%20NHTSA.