Ending Drivers ignorance

It amazes me that driver’s education classes are an option and even nonexistent in some states. Drivers’ ignorance is a result of a lack of education. How would someone know they did something wrong if they were never taught the rules and regulations of the road? Observational learning can also cause bad habits while driving. For example, Sally saw her aunt texting while driving all her life. Her aunt then became her driving teacher. Now Sally texts and drives, not because she means harm but because she has become a product of my environment. Another example is that there are states where driving fast is the norm, which causes people to speed beyond the limit. Not because people are born to disobey but because they must adapt to a fast-paced environment. It is very easy to learn observed behaviors. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,” an estimation of 31,785 deaths were due to traffic crashes in 2022 “(NHTSA, 2023). Learning safe behaviors from driving school can help decrease the number of deaths due to driving each year.

One of the most popular reckless behaviors on the road is speeding. I have multiple family members and friends who speed. Although their intentions are not to cause harm, it is still very dangerous for them and the cars surrounding them. Not being able to stop fast enough, or another car not paying attention and crossing in the lane, can cause bad collisions. One way to prevent speeding is to leave the house early. Most people speed because they are late to a destination. Another way to partner with your insurance company. They have programs that require you to track your speed while driving. If you stay within the speed limit, you receive discounts on your plan or your money back. Lastly, just be vigilant while driving and pay attention to the road signs to remind you of the speed limit and make you aware of how fast you are going.

Another popular reckless behavior while driving is using the phone. Music is a very popular form of entertainment while driving. People are often swiping their playlist to find their favorite song, which takes their attention off the road. One thing I do to prevent this behavior is creating my car playlist in the house. This allows me to press play and let the playlist go on without me having to pick up the phone. Another bad phone habit is texting and driving. For those that have trouble ignoring messages while driving the “Do Not Disturb” setting is perfect for car rides. This will block the notification from popping up on the screen and reduce the temptation to pick up the phone. Phone calls should be taken through Bluetooth or on speaker phone, to ensure both hands stay on the wheel. Lastly, emotions can also affect the way people drive. If the conversation you are having with someone gets heated or you are experiencing great grief, pause the conversation until you get home or pull over to take the call.

In some states, driving can start as early as 15 years old. This can be very intimidating, being surrounded by people with road rage and reckless behavior. Fear can cause mistakes and hesitation, which could contribute to the number of accidents and death on the road. Driving school helps build confidence and support needed to decrease the amount of anxiety people take on the road with them. Learning with a professional instructor can help unlearn bad behaviors and understand driving etiquette. Practicing driving etiquette on the road helps reduce potential road rage incidents with other drivers. Being aware of the rules and regulations of the roads, with an immense amount of confidence and behaviors that reduce the risk of potential road rage can help reduce the amount of death caused by driving.

In conclusion, being mindful of the bad habits we already practice on the road and holding ourselves, friends and family accountable we can reduce these numbers in the future. Driving school is important for so many reasons and should be a requirement before taking a driver’s test. We need to eliminate distraction on the road, put the phone down and pay attention. Be a vigilant driver, watch your surroundings for other reckless drivers and speed limit signs, to be safe. Lastly, do not be afraid to drive, just be careful.

References

Media, N. (2023, April 20). NHTSA estimates for 2022 show roadway fatalities remain flat after two years of dramatic increases. NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/traffic-crash-death-estimates-2022