In The Driver’s Seat

David Rosania

In the Driver’s Seat

“Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for US teens,” reports the CDC in a recent report. “The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens aged 16-19 than among any other age group.” Let that sink in.

The importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths because of driving cannot be overstated. Statistics show in the US death from driving is more prevalent even than death by combat. Most apparent is the leading demographic of the new, young, inexperienced drivers.

Teenagers believe they are invincible and therefore are more apt to take risks with their own safety, health, wellbeing, and life. According to the CDC, “The human brain is the last organ to fully develop at around age 25,” and University of Rochester Medical Center states, “The rational part of a teenager’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until age 25 or so.” However, powerful machines are put into the hands of young adults from their mid-teen years. A mismatch in the need to act responsibly and ability to be responsible is clear.

One critical factor in lowering deadly accidents in teens is driver education. In life situations, knowledge is power. When my brother was born with Down Syndrome and my family had no experience in this genetic condition, the first step was to learn about Down Syndrome. My parents read and become educated on all aspects of the condition such as related health issues, treatments and therapies, Early Intervention, resources available, and connecting with other families sharing the same circumstance. Through the knowledge gained, the family was prepared, and fears were diminished. The same is true of Driver’s Education. Preparation is key. Driver’s Education results in shifting the power to a new driver.

A primary problem for all drivers is being distracted while driving. The technological advances of today like cell phones provide a great number of distractions. Answering cell phone calls, reading text messages, sending texts, hearing ring tones and alerts, dropping one’s phone all are causes of momentary loss of focus which can be devastating and deadly. Cell phones should be out of reach in a “Safe Zone,” while driving, and in silent mode. The ability to send a message, “I cannot respond now I am driving” is a fantastic option to combat this problem. In the future cars may be able to disable cell phones so they cannot be used while driving similar to apps for navigation that do not allow typing in addresses while driving. Measures to eliminate distracted driving using technology is an important area for future research. Cars with advanced safety features are a positive step to decreasing the incidents of death or injury from driving and should be mandated in all new cars.

Additionally, numerous steps exist which could be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Driver’s Education should include hands on experience with an accredited driving instructor. A minimum of 10 hours of hands-on driving experience would be an appropriate standard. The availability of Computerized Driving Simulators has the potential to change the face of Driver’s Education. Drunk Driving Simulators provide a hands on, realistic experience of drunk driving without the risk and serve to expose the teen driver to the severe effects of driving under the influence. Fatal Vision Glasses are also available to provide a simulated experience and raise awareness of the dangers of drunk or buzzed driving. Additionally, in my state of New Jersey, Driver’s Licenses are awarded in a sequential pattern based on good driving record. The first license is probationary and limits the times of day a new driver can drive, and the number of passengers permitted in the car which are excellent steps in gaining experience in modified conditions. Graduated Driver Licensing systems reduce fatal crashes according to the CDC. Seatbelts have been proven to reduce serious injuries from a car crash by 50%

Fortunately, I have not had the experience of being in a car accident. I have been in the car and observed irresponsible driving, however. In the moments when a friend or my brother are driving irresponsibly, I call them out on their driving, reminding them to put safety first. To be a better and safer driver means being a defensive driver. As a football player, I play on both the offensive and defensive side of the line. The aggressive nature of offense has no place in driving a car. One must be constantly on the lookout for approaching threats just as football defensive linemen always protect their team from the opponent scoring a touchdown. In football, defense is about protection, prevention, and a heightened awareness of surroundings. The defense must have its “head on a swivel” to avoid giving up a touchdown. A defensive driver embracing the same approach will be a safer, and better driver!