Crash Course

Crash
Course

Education
helps us develop our perspective on life, construct our opinions, and
debate topics. It gives us information and understanding about the
world around us and helps us shape that information into what we
believe.

Driving
is a serious responsibility and requires education for new drivers.
New drivers can fail to fully appreciate the seriousness of the
freedom and privilege they’ve just earned. It should come with
immense focus, each and every time a driver gets behind the wheel.
This should apply to all, not just new drivers. I often see people
texting, putting on makeup, shaving, even reading the newspaper, all
while at the wheel!

Everyone
should take drivers ed before obtaining a license, starting
with the same information to begin their driving journey. This
training is meant to instill the importance of being a safe and
courteous driver. Drivers ed courses could be more
stringent to require more skills testing, and distracted driving and
road condition simulations. Practice in a simulated situation could
be invaluable. We should also require re-certification for people who
have many infractions like speeding tickets, distracted driving or
collisions.

The
question is more likely when, not if, you’ll be in a car accident.
Accident is really not even the best term for it, implying something
out of your control. Behind the wheel, choices are made each second.
Most collisions are a result of driver error, or poor choices. Just a
few months ago, I was rear-ended and suffered a severe concussion and
whiplash and am still recovering. I was hit by someone who was
distractedly talking to their passenger and following too closely.
Multiple cars were totaled or damaged. I thought I was a careful
driver before the collision, but it taught me even more the
importance of defensive driving. More than ever, I’m practicing
defensive driving as I know it will lower my risk behind the wheel.
The biggest things I’ve re-learned are: watch your speed, leave
space between you and the driver ahead, and frequently check mirrors.
Never trust anyone else on the road except yourself. The bottom line
is that anticipating another driver’s sudden move and making the
appropriate adjustment helps reduce risk.

Compelling
educational campaigns should be ongoing. Drivers should stow or
silence phones and avoid using the radio. Set good example for
friends. One of the most important tools is practicing defensive
driving techniques and do not be an aggressive driver. Know the laws,
plan ahead so you don’t run late and know if there will be weather
or road closures. Make sure your car is properly maintained and that
your seats and mirrors are correctly set each time you drive.

I
have personally taken steps to become a more defensive driver and
have already seen it pay off by anticipating others’ actions and
adjusting. Today, I am a more educated driver than six months ago,
and more aware of the driving habits of others now, and will forever
be.