Behind the Wheel: Understanding the Reality of Road Safety

“Driving is a privilege, not a right”. While this phrase is often repeated in driver’s education, it also serves as an important reminder of how every person behind the wheel holds a responsibility to keep others safe. A second of hesitation, a single mistake, a solitary miscalculation, can instantly cause devastating results and alter the lives of a multitude of people. This is the reality of driving that most individuals never realize; being behind the wheel of a vehicle is more deadly than being involved in combat. In fact, each year approximately 34,000 Americans lose their lives due to traffic collisions, a number far greater than the amount of American soldiers that lost their lives in the Vietnam war. This shocking and often overlooked statistic sheds light on the dangers of driving and how easily incidents can take away lives. This highlights the importance of proper driver education before people, particularly beginners, get behind the wheel. Only by learning how to drive properly and taking the correct steps in education can new learners take on the responsibility of the road.

Driver education plays a crucial role in shaping the skills and quick thinking of a driver. It teaches individuals the knowledge needed to properly operate a vehicle, adhere to traffic laws, understand essential road rules and signs, and help them make split second decisions in unpredictable circumstances. A major flaw in this system however, is how easily tests can be passed through pure memorization rather than truly understanding these traffic rules. Multiple choice questions can easily be retained in short periods, and as a result, many upcoming beginners are driving on public roads with an improper amount of training. To improve this, driver education programs should begin incorporating real world situations rather than determining succession through simple, one answer rules. By replacing multiple choice quizzes with written assessments, learners can build a foundation of analysis and safe thinking rather than passing on a whim. Further tests can even include vehicle simulations, hazard perception tests, and emergency stop training to ensure drivers are ready in any situation. In addition, requiring repeatable courses every couple of years can help reinforce safe habits. Every year, new rules or signs may come out and it is important for drivers that previously passed to understand these as well. Ultimately, driver education is one of the most valuable learning experiences a beginner driver will hold and should be taken more seriously in order to reduce traffic incidents.

In addition to improving driver’s education, there are several other strategies that can reduce the number of deaths caused on the roads. One of the most straightforward approaches is enforcing the use of stricter and more consistent law enforcements to discourage distracted driving. While many people believe that police cars “camping out” in certain spots are unnecessary and often irritating, it is a reality that under watchful eyes drivers will speed less and feel more obligated to follow traffic laws. By taking advantage of this, the number of speeding attempts and dangerous lane cutting turns can be significantly reduced. Another similar alternative is installing more cameras amongst crowded intersections. Many incidents occur in the evenings when roads are more empty. As a result, drivers may speed and cut tighter corners more so than in the daylight due to ignorance and a belief that no one is watching. By installing proper surveillance systems, drivers are unable to take advantage of unwatched hours and are forced to continue following traffic rules. Finally, technology can also play a significant role in prevention. As modern vehicles continuously advance, new safety features are always being added to increase passenger safety. Digital automations such as emergency brakes, lane keeping assistance, and collision warnings can help reduce human error on roads. Conclusively, creating new and stricter safety measures like these can help create a stronger system to prevent traffic accidents before they even occur.

Although I have not experienced a serious car accident, both my father and brother were involved in a severe incident on the highway. While driving home from a far city, our car suddenly ran over a black object on the road, rupturing the tire and sending the car completely out of control. Luckily, despite the car flipping over multiple times and ending up in the ditch beside the road, both my father and brother walked out with barely a scratch. This was due to my father’s experience and skill at staying calm when it came to unpredictable situations. Because of his expertise, he was able to not panic and crash in a way that did not harm anyone else, avoiding an otherwise life altering call that would have changed the trajectory of my life. Aside from preventable incidents, it is important to recognize that unavoidable accidents like this do occur, and the only way to mitigate harm is to have the proper training and education to handle an extenuating circumstance. 

As a new and learning driver myself, there are several personal habits I have already adapted to becoming a safer driver. For starters, I always make sure that I am fully alert and focused before stepping foot in the driver's seat. As an inexperienced driver, fatigue can easily cause accidents and putting myself on the road would be irresponsible. I also make a habit of always checking speed limits, ensuring I am following other cars within a safe distance, never using my phone when driving, and always wearing a seatbelt. In addition, I frequently drive with my parents, where they teach me skills that driver manuals may not specify when it comes to real situations. Furthermore, I find ways to help others become safer drivers by taking action when I see unsafe behaviour and reminding the people around me to stay alert. One of the most important habits I have been taught as a pedestrian is to always make eye contact before crossing a street. On multiple occasions, I have noticed turning drivers looking the other way and not noticing my presence. I never assume they know where I am, and this strategy has saved me from countless incidents where the drivers turn without looking. I also discourage friends and families from using devices when I am a passenger. Often, I will instead offer my assistance if they need help accessing information on their phone or need to text someone back. Ultimately, proper driving skills are built through constant education, responsible choices, and a willingness to look out for others. By understanding these realities and rules of the road, everyone can contribute to a safer environment and reduce the number of incidents caused by negligence.