It’s a tragic truth that around 34,000 lives are lost annually in the United States due to car accidents, yet it’s not a well known fact among the public. It’s not just about driver education being important; it is also the increase of distracted driving and driving under the influence. One could be the perfect driver, but the car in the next lane could be on their phone or doing their makeup putting everyone around them in danger. The issue isn’t just about you or me; it’s every one that is out on the road driving any type of vehicle.
I have almost gotten run off the road by an elderly woman in a Buick Park Avenue. I was on the Access road while she was exiting the high way. There was a barrier between us, and a solid line after. Immediately after the barrier ended, she changed lanes. No blinker, and did not wait to see if I, who was next to her, had seen her. I was able to avoid her by a hairs breath, by slowing down and grazing the side walk. I was aware of “drunk driving”, and “texting and driving” dangers, but I hadn’t realized the bigger extent of the dangers of driving. There are so many more dangers then what we initially realize when we start driving, and this incident was a wakeup call.
The importance of driver education can be seen in several key areas; improved driving skills and knowledge, promoting safe driving habits, teaches risk management, and reducing risky behavior in young drivers. A well-structured driver education program could ensure that all drivers, especially young and new drivers, receive thorough training that covers not only basic driving skills but also could teach essential skills such as how to handle different driving conditions, use defensive driving techniques, understand traffic laws, and the risks of impaired driving, fatigue, or speeding. Programs could also emphasizes safe driving habits, such as wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, and recognize potential hazards on the road, from distracted drivers to adverse weather conditions. This could directly contribute to the reduction of accidents and fatalities by preventing crashes and minimizing risk factors, driver education is an essential tool in saving lives and promoting road safety.
Now reducing the number of deaths related to driving requires a multifaceted approach that combines education, legislation, infrastructure improvements, and communal efforts. While we can promote programs for ongoing education that encourage safe driving habits throughout a driver's life or refresher training for older drivers, it would be a person’s choice to participate in these programs. We could launch national or local awareness campaigns focused on the dangers of driving. These campaigns should be engaging and tailored to specific demographics, such as teenagers, older adults, or professional drivers. Having a high focus on the dangers of impaired driving and distracted driving, as the vast majority of car accidents are attributed to human error, with studies showing that over 90% of crashes are due to driver mistakes or impaired judgment. Campaigns should promote designated drivers, or the use of taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, can reduce driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Also perhaps the use hands-free devices and in-vehicle voice controls if absolutely necessary to reduce distractions caused by texting or phone calls while driving, but encourage to avoid distractions altogether while driving.
With the rise of technology and social media, it has been abundantly clear how careless and even malicious people can be, especially driving. From YouTube to Tik Tok, we see people make turns from the wrong lane or worst, people intentionally causing accidents for insurance frauds. It has become such a problem that more and more people are buying dash cams. Dash cameras can provide drivers with objective evidence of events leading up to an accident, which can help reduce false claims and improve accountability. We have seen the use of cameras on toll roads, so perhaps we could use the same thing for speeding.
This leads to the idea that there should be some type of government (state or local) interference, perhaps stricter enforcement of traffic laws or an increase of police presence, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic and school zones. Stronger penalties for violations such as speeding, texting, or driving under the influence can act as a deterrent. Have patrols near bars and regular sobriety checkpoints and the use of breathalyzers can help prevent impaired driving. Local government could work with the DMV to set up mandatory driving course refreshers, and mandatory re testing for the elderly. Like stated before, to change or be better is a voluntary action to do so, thus it’s important for the (local or state) government to enforce some aspects, like jury duty; come in or be penalized. The local government should also be involved in improving road conditions and design to make roads safer for drivers. This includes regular maintenance to fix potholes, improve lighting, and add barriers to protect drivers from hazards like cliffs or unprotected roadsides. I have seen lights (on the highway!) be out and potholes stay on roads for years that people instinctly know to drive around them.
We all need to be responsible drivers, but also be responsible passengers. You can speak up if necessary; if you’re a passenger and notice unsafe driving behaviors, don’t hesitate to speak up. Politely ask the driver to slow down, put their phone away, or drive more cautiously. Even as a passenger, you can also encourage good behavior by wearing your seatbelt, avoiding distractions, and being supportive of the driver’s safe driving choices. Make these habits a norm, safety is a shared responsibility, and even small actions can have a big impact on reducing accidents and fatalities. It’s a commitment that should be treated with the seriousness of a lawful binding contract. There are consequences. Some key factors that we personally can do is always put our phones away when getting in the car. Do not be distracted; phone calls and messages can wait. Before I drive I will select a playlist and leave my phone alone. Leave with enough time to get to a destination, plan your route, and be patient on the road; rushing could lead to an accident. Stay calm even if other drivers are aggressive or erratic, let others pass you by. They might crash, but not you. Give motorcyclists plenty of space when passing and always be aware of their presence, especially when turning or changing lanes. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes items like a flashlight, jumper cables, a first aid kit, a blanket, an emergency window breaker, and non-perishable snacks, especially for long trips. Learn basic first aid and how to respond to emergencies, such as car accidents, injuries, or road hazards. This knowledge can help you stay calm and assist others if needed.
Driving is a privilege; a person's license can be revoked for reckless or dangerous driving. Just because a person is 16 years old and is eligible to take a driver's test does not mean that it is a right that everyone is entitled to. Right now this privilege isn’t as strictly monitored as it could be, but that could change in the future. If we continue with this negligence in driving, there’s a possibility of even the federal government will need to be involved and obtaining a license to be as difficult as obtaining a masters degree. We still have the power to change the safety of our roads; we can’t keep squandering this opportunity. We all have to do our part.