Each year, thousands of people die in traffic accidents. According to the National Safety Council, “44,680 people died in preventable crashes in the United States during 2024” (NSC.org, March 11, 2025). Distracted driving and other risky driving behaviors remain major factors in the number of deaths on our roads. From improved road safety knowledge to increased awareness of traffic hazards, driver education is a must in reducing the number of deaths resulting from driving.
All drivers, especially first-time drivers, should be required to participate in some kind of driver education, whether in school or a driving course. Driver education helps individuals understand traffic laws and road signs, which can lead to safer driving behavior. When drivers are aware of the rules of the road, they are less likely to engage in speeding or ignoring traffic signals. Driver education also teaches awareness of traffic hazards such as environmental factors like weather conditions that can impact driving safety. I lived in Colorado where it snows, Oregon where it rains, and now Arizona where we run into dust storms quite frequently. Teaching and showing people how to operate a vehicle in these conditions can give drivers the confidence and skills to drive in these conditions, lessening the risk of an accident leading to fatalities.
When I was learning to drive, my parents enrolled me in a driving school. I am very thankful for this because I feel the education I received has led to better decision-making skills behind the wheel. I learned about staying focused, not texting and driving, not playing with the radio, and other better decision-making skills, which directly reduces the likelihood of me getting into accidents.
Unfortunately, driver education will not prevent all car accidents. I had the misfortune of being involved in a car accident a few months ago. While I am thankful it was only a fender-bender and no one was injured, it was still eye-opening to the fact that traffic accidents do happen and the importance of driver education. I have spoken to my buddies about it, stressing that they do not want to go through the experience of a car accident. The hassle of dealing with insurance is not fun either!
My mom was in an accident when she was in college and has spoken to me about it. Another driver made a left-hand turn in front of her and by the time she slammed on her breaks it was too late. She wasn’t as lucky as I was in my fender-bender. She spent her winter break visiting doctors and going to physical therapy. She says that I do not want to experience what she went through, nor do I want to be responsible for someone else experiencing that.
There are many steps I can take to be a better and safer driver. Number one, and a very easy step, is to follow the speed limit. Driving at the appropriate speed for the road conditions is key to staying safe and alive. Using my turn signals is another easy step to being a safe driver. I actually think it’s common courtesy to use our turn signals when running or making lane changes. I don’t know about you, but it is a pet peeve of mine when people don’t use their signals. Wearing my seatbelt, as well as requiring my passengers to wear their seatbelt, is another way to be safe. Being courteous and kind on the roads is also important. I have seen a lot of road rage in Arizona and it is just not worth the time or risk being angry at someone for cutting you off. Yeah, it may be annoying, but your life is more important than getting furious over something you cannot control. Using your brain and defensive skills learned through driver education is better than getting road rage yourself.
Probably the biggest and most important step to being a safe driver is to put my phone away. My parents have drilled this into me: A text or post is not worth my life or someone else’s. If I really need my phone, I can pull over to a safe spot. I see way too many people on their phones while driving, and it is quite scary watching them swerve or driving too slow or fast because they are distracted.
I can help others be safe drivers by being a leader. Not speeding, wearing my seatbelt, not playing around while driving, and putting my phone away sets a good example to my passengers. If I am a passenger, I need to speak up and not worry about what my friends will say or think. If I see them on their phone I will ask them to put it away. If they are speeding I will ask them to slow down.
Overall, by equipping drivers with the skills, knowledge, and awareness they need to drive safely, driver education contributes significantly to reducing traffic injuries and deaths. The skills I learned from my driving school, along with my mom yelling “Be safe” and “Head on a swivel” each time I leave the house all help to make me a more safe and confident driver.