In the United States of America, the most popular and common form of transportation is driving. There is a unique culture that is seen rarely in other countries, and so, there is a higher number of automobile accidents, and by extension, automobile deaths, per capita than nearly any other country. This is, for the most part, a preventable problem, and it starts with a few simple steps. First, we need to emphasize the importance of driver’s ed. Second, recognize the most common issues when driving that lead to accidents, and find ways to mitigate or prevent them, and third, what every person individually can do to contribute to a safer driving environment.

Driver’s ed is something that everyone applying for a driver’s license has to do, so it stands to reason that it should teach some of the most important road safety things, which of course, it does. Unfortunately, many divers forget certain things that they learn, or fail to apply them. The courses themselves can also feel trivial compared to other classes, where the opposite should apply, as, once more, most Americans drive cars regularly. Focusing especially on safety, etiquette, and how to deal with other reckless drivers are key aspects that could be emphasized more. And while not everyone is going to follow everything they learn, preparing future drivers for bad drivers, teaching how to drive defensively, is an important skill. Since the only one who has control of the vehicle is the driver, then the drivers themselves should be responsible, and know what to do in certain situations.

There are many situations that come up while driving that can lead to disastrous consequences if not properly handled, but it all starts in the driver’s seat. Before driving, the driver should make sure their mirrors are aligned properly, check all around the car for any people or objects that could be in the way, adjust the seat to a comfortable position, and make sure anything else that needs to be done, such as queuing up music or getting directions, is done before taking the car out of park. Most important, the driver should not be under the influence of any drugs, alcohol, or even overly tired, as these impair reaction time and decision making, which, while operating a heavy machine going really fast, is not a good thing.While driving, it’s important that the driver is aware of everything around them, continually checking their mirrors, not getting distracted by their phone or other passengers, and keeping track of their speed and the speed limit. A safe following distance should be kept, and any time a turn or lane change is made, the blinker should be on. There are all things taught in driver’s ed, but many drivers forget after years of driving on their own, where they feel that they know enough or are confident enough to multitask or pay less attention, and this is what can lead to accidents.

On the road, what can people do to stay safe? Once more, paying attention is the number one key. Being aware of other cars, especially ones that seem to be acting recklessly, and motorcycles, is one of the most important parts of driving. If you can see someone is not driving safely, you can prepare and leave them room, while keeping yourself out of risk. Turning your phone off or silencing it is important too, as no text or call is worth your life. If you need to respond to a text, pull over first in a safe area, but ideally you should not even read texts. Have your map app read to you directions, and if you need to look, have it at eye level close to the window. Otherwise, the phone should stay off and away. Music, podcasts, or audiobooks are great while driving, but it’s important to not look at your phone screen or the car’s screen for more than a split second, if that at all, when adjusting settings, and ideally, these things are set up before you leave.

On the topic of driving safe, my sister got in an accident a few months ago, where the other driver pulled into a right hand turning lane, my sister continued forward, assuming the car was going to turn and she could stay in her lane, but the other car made a u turn without signaling, and got hit by my sister. Thankfully, both girls are fine, the other girl with a concussion. While the police faulted the other driver for making an illegal, unsignaled U turn without checking her mirrors, my sister could have still done things to help prevent the accident, though the fault still is on the other driver. Following further behind, watching how the car was turning, and possibly pulling further into the left lane would have helped prevent the accident. On the part of the other driver, she could have checked her mirrors, signaled her intent, or waited for a place better for a U turn, such as a nearby roundabout. Even while driving correctly, accidents can happen, but paying attention can help mitigate severe consequences, or avoid other drivers who may not be paying attention.

Overall, the best way to be a good driver is to be aware, and this is what the focus of drivers ed should be. How to be aware, to avoid distractions, to not take risks, because, at the end of the day, you can only control your vehicle, so it’s important to do everything in your power to stay safe, and to not be the cause of an automobile accident.