The Road to Safer Roads

Javier
Hurtado

Drivers
Education Essay Contest

28
March 2020

The
Road to Safer Roads.

A
short, regular trip to grandma’s became a nearly life altering
occurrence. At an age when I was not yet even out of a booster seat,
I experienced my first car crash. Luckily, both parties left the
situation safely, the same however could not be said about the cars.
Since then, I’ve experienced other small collisions and have on the
daily witnessed practices that are conducive to even more and
deadlier crashes. A common link I have seen between many, if not all
of these occurrences, is distraction or impairment. What is created
with the revolution that is the smartphone, the vulnerability that
exists at the age that people begin to drive, and many other
contributors, is a melting pot of danger. This however does not need
to be the case. The first and most essential part in raising the
safety that exists on the road is drivers ed. Regardless of
age or other factors, drivers ed courses should be the gateway
to licensure nationwide, with a standard, all-inclusive, and honest
curriculum. Texting behind the wheel does not cause veering off the
road, driving while under the influence does not cause a loss of
control, what all these and more forms of impairment and distraction
cause, are a loss of life. If the effects of getting behind the wheel
are not taken into account in these curriculums, the reality that a
joy ride with friends can quickly become a disaster, then neither
will it be taken into account by many people as they put their foot
on the gas pedal. Drivers ed for many is simply a class where
signs and road rules are taught, and the responsibility of driving
something that is breezed over. Oftentimes, the most impactful
lessons taught in these classes however are those that pertain to the
lives affected by those who disregarded the reality of operating a
vehicle. Drivers ed is not a place to learn rules, but a place
to develop skills and fully grasp what obtaining a licence means.
Regardless of if a person has memorized the entirety of their states
traffic laws and regulations, a glance at their phone or a few
bottles of beer can negate any knowledge that they already have. It
is the responsibility of drivers ed courses to teach the
students how their actions can affect others and themselves. Yes,
learning the rules and road signs is an essential part of all these
courses, but to create a more responsible and safe generation of
drivers, it is essential that these courses discuss the issues facing
this evolving world, and especially when taught in high schools, the
developing minds of the students. This shift in national emphasis is
a major first step in the direction towards safer roads. Until then,
those who are aware of the true dangers and responsibility held in
the hands of all drivers should hold others accountable. It is not
the actions of one that will lead the revolution towards safer roads,
but rather, the actions of many.