Learning Safe Driving Practices

In 2019, there were 33,244 fatal car crashes in the United States, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. From these accidents came 36,096 deaths. Crashes can occur due to numerous circumstances that are outside of our control. Extreme weather, faulty automobile manufacturing, and simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time could cause an accident. However, distracted driving, lack of education, and willful ignorance of safe car maneuvers are within the control of every driver. 

One remedy for these preventable circumstances is driver’s education. While I cannot speak to the education in other states or at other schools, I was required to take one quarter of driver’s education in a classroom in addition to six hours of driving with an instructor and six hours of observation of another permit driver. At the time, I thought that learning what each type of street sign meant was futile. Besides, who has ever seen a pink street sign? However, by learning the intricacies of driving, I was set up with a firm foundation of the task. 

This book-knowledge, however, must be supported with real-life application. I understood the rules of the road to a tee. In fact, I often corrected my parents on specific rules of the road that people either do not know or do not follow. “Come on mom, you have to use your turn signal for several seconds before and while you are changing lanes.” “Dad, you are turning left. Make sure your turn is like a ninety-degree angle and less of a sweeping motion.” I was that kid.

But the behind-the-wheel component of the class allowed me to apply what I had learned in the classroom under the safety of an instructor. Things like parking and completing three-point-turns made sense conceptually at my desk, but I had a much harder time completing them when I was at the wheel. But I progressed in my lessons, going from making right- and left-hand turns in a neighborhood to merging onto the interstate in the span of six lessons. 

I was also supported by my parents, who allowed me every opportunity to drive with them before I got my license. I drove them to soccer practices and bank runs, to the grocery store and to get a haircut. They ensured I maintained the good driving habits I learned in class so I was prepared for my behind-the-wheel lessons. (My instructor said I had the best hand-over-hand turns, by the way.)

Although I was mocked by some for being such a stickler for the rules, my driving was safe and by-the-book. This is because of the early education I received regarding operating a vehicle. I knew of the dangers that arose each and every time I started the ignition. That with one wrong move, one distracted glance away from the road, I could permanently change my life or the life of a complete stranger. While some may scoff and consider this a scare-tactic, it is necessary that each and every person who drives a car is aware of the potential outcomes. Following the rules of the road is the best way to prevent causing or being involved in an accident. The stories we hear about teens who get in accidents and will never walk again or teens who drive under the influence of alcohol and kill a pedestrian are horrible and hard to hear. But, they are realities for some. And it is best we know what could happen so we make the decision to do whatever we can to promote a positive outcome. 

I have never been behind the wheel during an accident, but I have been in the car during one. I was on the way home after spending the day at the zoo with my dad and brother. My dad stopped at a red light, then proceeded to turn when the light changed to green. But the green light was not for him, rather, for the lane adjacent to ours. I do not remember the impact, only that our car and the other car involved pulled to the side of the road to assess the damages. There were children in both cars, so the drivers’ first priorities were to ensure that no one had been injured. The collision turned out to be relatively minor, thankfully. 

Although this happened years ago, I am cautious when driving in large cities to this day. I am especially cautious when I am driving among many lanes of traffic. I think this is another important tip to avoid accidents: learn from those who have been in accidents. By double-checking that the green light is in fact for me and not another lane, I am increasing my odds of driving safely and decreasing my odds of getting into a fatal accident. 

In turn, when you are in an accident it is important that you use the situation to educate others. This way, drivers can be continuously learning new, safe-driving practices. This will lessen the number of crashes which will decrease the number of automobile-related deaths.