Everybody Is At Risk

Traffic-related fatalities are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with an average of thirty-four thousand deaths every year. The total fatalities of the American soldiers from war in Afghanistan and Iraq is less than the total fatalities caused from driving incidents in one year. Driver education is crucial in reducing the number of deaths resulting from driving. It is important to educate drivers on traffic rules, safety precautions, and driving techniques to ensure they operate their vehicles in a responsible manner in order to prevent these statistics from rising. It is also important to enforce strict rules regarding who can be permitted on the road, making sure people are capable of practicing safe driving while on the road. This education can have a significant impact on reducing the number of fatalities and injuries on our roads. Safe driving not only affects the driver, but other people on and off the road, protecting the community as a whole by upholding and practicing safe driving. There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. One of the most important steps is to implement mandatory driver education programs that provide comprehensive instruction on driving safety. This includes teaching drivers how to operate a vehicle safely in different weather conditions, how to avoid distractions while driving, and the importance of sobriety when behind the wheel.

Driver’s education should cover the basics of how to operate a vehicle, including all safety features and techniques to avoid dangerous situations. For example, being able to use basic functions like using windshield wipers, windshield washer fluid, properly using turn indicators, and headlight functions may all sound like common sense to an experienced driver, however to someone (especially young drivers) who may have never been in the driver’s seat, will not know how to use these safety features. This should also stress the importance of using their seatbelt and the negative consequences of not being buckled up. Going over the proper techniques to remain safe in different weather conditions also applies to new drivers. Before being able to legally operate a vehicle, a driver must understand how to safely navigate different weather conditions such as snow, rain, wind, and even bright sunlight. Driver’s education should teach methods on how to avoid slippery roads and what to do if the vehicle begins to slide, and when to evaluate whether or not the roads are safe to drive on. Staying off dangerous roads would greatly decrease the number of casualties caused by single vehicle incidents.

Distracted driving is becoming more prevalent in this day and age due to cell phone usage and other easily accessible distractions. Especially young drivers, texting while driving is a serious epidemic that can easily be reduced with proper education, enforcement, and most importantly practicing safe driving. If all drivers were educated on the negative effects and dangers of distracted driving, then they would be more apt to practice safe driving. One text message or phone call is not worth a life, whatever it is can wait. Placing cellphones in the pocket behind the seat or in the glove compartment can reduce the temptation to pick it up while behind the wheel.

Along with cell phones, many people do not discuss the use of vaping devices or other means of smoking while driving either, which is a large distraction considering it impairs mental clarity and affects the brain. Though smoking and vaping is unhealthy in general, one pull of nicotine or likewise is not more important than the life of the driver or somebody else. This coincides with drinking while driving, which is responsible for nearly thirty percent of all car accidents per year. Driver’s education should push the concept of designated drivers and being able to understand the consequences of drunk driving. Passengers and others involved in the incident are more likely to be fatally injured during a drunk driving accident than the driver themselves, putting all the blame on the one commiting the crime of driving while impaired. Remaining sober is of utmost importance when behind the wheel as it provides the driver with the ability to think clearly and drive safely. Driving while drunk can result in the death of innocent people, revocation of the driver’s license, jail time, extensive fines, and in some cases, prosecution of manslaughter. Remaining sober is of utmost importance when behind the wheel as it provides the driver with the ability to think clearly and drive safely, which is why proper driver’s education should heavily focus on the consequences of driving while impaired.

Another crucial step to reduce the number of deaths on the road is to ensure that drivers are properly licensed and have the necessary skills to operate a vehicle safely. This includes requiring drivers to pass a comprehensive driving test that assesses their knowledge of traffic rules, safe driving techniques, and their ability to operate a vehicle safely in different situations. Without proper knowledge of the rules of the road, how to practice safe driving, and how to operate a vehicle, a person should not be able to legally be permitted and licensed to drive. This is why permit tests, supervised drive times, observation times, and strict tests to obtain a driver’s license should be enforced and practiced before giving somebody the privilege of driving. Improving road infrastructure, such as road signs and signals, is also important in reducing the number of deaths related to driving. These improvements help drivers navigate roads more safely and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Finally, promoting safe driving behaviors and enforcing traffic laws can also help reduce the number of fatalities related to driving. This includes enforcing speed limits, cracking down on drunk driving, and promoting the use of seat belts and other safety devices.

Personally, I have not been involved in a car accident, but I have witnessed family members and friends driving irresponsibly. For example, a friend of a friend fell asleep while on a long drive home. His car veered off into a guardrail, luckily not affecting any of the other drivers on the highway. The guardrail impaled and crushed the entire front end of the car and he is fortunate to have walked away without a scratch. However, due to his unsafe driving, his license has been revoked and he had to do jail time until the courts decided how to handle his situation. Taking care of one’s bodily needs and upkeep safety functions like staying awake is also important while behind the wheel. To be a better and safer driver, I ensure that I follow all traffic rules and regulations, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoid distractions while driving. I also ensure that my vehicle is well-maintained and equipped with safety devices such as airbags and seat belts, keeping up with any necessary refurbishments to ensure the safety features of my vehicle.

To help others become safer on the road, I make a point of discussing safe driving habits with family and friends and encourage them to do the same. If I notice a family member or friend practicing an unsafe driving habit, like insisting on driving home after a night out of drinking, or using their cell phone, I kindly remind them that they are risking their lives, my life, and the life of others on and off the road. As somebody who does not drink or smoke, I provide anybody with a safe ride home, no matter who they are or what time it is. I assure them that we can go get their car once they are able to drive safely the next day. I also advocate for better driver education programs and support efforts to improve road infrastructure and enforce traffic laws. By working together, we can create a safer environment for all drivers on the road. With community effort, safer driving conditions and education can be achieved through advocating the safety of everyone.