Be Aware, and Be Smart

Elijah
Corless

Be
Aware, and Be Smart

What
is the importance of drivers ed in reducing the number deaths
as a result of driving?

Driver
education is imperative so that people become aware of the magnitude
of power and the impact that cars can have on the lives of all those
involved with the vehicle. Understanding the physical power that a
car has, as well as being aware of the risks and dangers involved in
using one, are unbeknownst to many people simply because cars are so
ubiquitous in our society. Due to this ubiquitous, we mistake
familiarity with automatic safety. While cars have increased in
safety over time, there is no substitute for good driving habits.
Many adults in our society, for example, use their phones while they
drive. Although texting and driving was exposed as the pernicious
danger that it is in my driver ed classroom, these dangers were
unforeseen 30 years ago, and these dangers were never fully explained
to previous generations who have now grown up and still use the road.

What
steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?

Being
conscious of the road and very wary towards potential dangers is the
best way to be reduce deaths. Banning alcohol in public venues,
although an unpopular move amongst many bargoers, would make a large
amount of sense in mitigating potential risk for when the patrons
leave and get back into their vehicle. At the very least, the vendor
of the alcohol could require and verify one member of the party to
abstain from all drink. Basic precautions in the public sphere such
as this would reduce the risk of deaths. Additionally, requiring more
intermediate tests to assess driving ability and competence could be
administered throughout the lifetime of the license, not just the
initial Drivers ed

Have
you ever had an experience of being in car accident or have seen your
friends or family members driving irresponsibly?

Yes
to both – the biggest thing to remember is that multiple factors
cause collisions and dangerous situations occur. When witnessing
irresponsible friend behavior, I offer to queue the music or to send
the text for them, so it’s not a distraction or issue. In some
cases, I simply tell them bluntly to pay attention and put their
phone away.

What
steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help
others become safer on the road?

Taking
care of my body is one of the best places to start. I do my best to
ensure that I’m well rested, that I’m eating the right foods, and
that I have a clear mind when I drive. I also don’t drink and don’t
drive extremely late at night. I can encourage others to become safer
by reminding them of the asymmetric risk-reward of safe driving. Not
checking your phone is mildly annoying. Being paralyzed in an
accident because you weren’t paying attention is a risk that isn’t
worth taking on.