Drivers ed: A Means to an End

Nathan
Christopher Blume

Purdue
University: Agricultural Economics and Political Science

Driver
Education Initiative Award- Annual Scholarship Opportunity

1
April 2020

1. As
   a young adult that has now been driving for just over five years, it
   has always been incredibly apparent to me the dangers of driving. I
   have been in several “close calls” and been witness to
   disastrous automobile accidents. Driving does have some inherently
   natural risks and potential negative outcomes associated with.
   However, many of the car accidents I have seen and/ or heard about
   could have easily been prevented. Drivers ed, this is the key
   phrase in reducing driving accidents and even deaths. It is without
   a doubt that the level of education possessed by drivers correlates
   to the number of deaths resulting in vehicle accidents. Therefore,
   any opportunity to increase the education of American drivers will
   directly reduce the resulting automobile deaths, which is essential.
   

2. Reducing
   the number of deaths related to driving can be done in several
   different, easy to implement ways. First, efforts to drastically
   reduce distracted driving need to be implemented. Conveying the
   negative outcomes of texting and driving and describing the
   necessity is vital, especially to high school and college students.
   This can be done through presentations, educational information, and
   relatable stories. Along with this, establishing a level of
   sensibility and accountability through drive education would instill
   an enhanced level of responsibility in young individuals just
   beginning to drive. Beyond education, local and state governments
   need to remain adamant in efforts to curb distracted driving which
   includes, but is not limited to texting and driving, driving under
   the influence, and obeying simple traffic laws.

3. I
   have been in a vehicle in which one of my friends was texting while
   driving and showing a great amount of attention to their cellular
   device. This experience was incredibly eye-opening yet concerning. I
   was able to firsthand witness the effects of being distracted have
   on one’s ability to drive. The driver was not attentive to the
   road, was not cognizant of stop signs or stop lights, and commonly
   swerved along the wave. It was extremely apparent to me as to how
   vehicle accidents happen, and the reason they have become so common.
   

4. As
   an individual, I can take the necessary times and steps needed to
   become more educated on safe driving practices, the traffic laws,
   and finding ways to reduce the chance for driving related accidents.
   Beyond this, I can ensure that I keep one hundred percent of my
   attention on the road, by reducing distractions such as cell-phones,
   the radio, others in the vehicle, etc. This can translate to methods
   to take in order to assist others with being safe while driving, by
   sharing drivers ed with them, encouraging the research of
   driver specific education material, and challenge them to drive
   without distractions at all times. By educating others on the
   potential negative outcomes that can accompany irresponsible
   driving, the magnitude of results will hopefully increase thei
   personal responsibility.