Driver education is very relevant in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving because it provides the drivers with the information, abilities, and routines required for safe driving. Through driver education programs offered through the DMV for example, they teach the drivers rules that they must follow as they drive on the road. Through the programs they are taught speed limits as it varies depending on the location (school area, freeway, etc.), traffic signals, along with the road signs we see in our daily lives. Knowing these regulations enables drivers to avoid infractions, react effectively to various traffic circumstances, and make well-informed judgments. Not only that but safe driving practices including using seat belts, putting an end to distractions, and not driving while intoxicated are promoted via education. These actions have a direct impact on lessening the severity of collisions and fatalities. Furthermore, people who have received drivers ed are more equipped to make judgments while driving. For example, when it comes to yield (knowing when to and the sign), how to respond in emergency circumstances, and when to pass. This kind of critical thinking can help avoid mishaps that could otherwise be caused by hasty or careless decisions. For example, if a driver drives under the influence and causes an accident.
Various steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. For example, they can improve roads that have holes. I recall an event in which my aunt picked me up from school and on our way home, there were always two holes. One was major while the other was small. I recall many vehicles would go around them if the other side was empty. I recall that my aunt was in such a hurry that we forgot about the holes. There was a vehicle on the opposite side so she had to go through it and completely forgot about it and we felt the car jump downward and then upward with such force that it caused the bumper to loosen on the passenger’s side. Thankfully, the road was repaired but it took months. Therefore, it may be said that fewer people would die in accidents if roads were routinely maintained and repaired to avoid accidents brought on by potholes and even deteriorated road markings or other dangers. Not only that would be a possible solution but another one could be achieved by improving infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians. I live by King Center and before there was not a pedestrian crosswalk near the corner (on the other side of the community center). During the time my sister was in high school (years ago), there was not one. It was not until her junior year that they put a pedestrian crosswalk there. I am not sure if there was a story behind it but I do recall that a lot of vehicles did pass by there (speed up). But because of the pedestrian crosswalk, it had reduced the amount of cars speeding up in that area.
I have not experienced a car accident before but a close relative did to me. My aunt works in cleaning houses and the house she cleaned was by McDonalds (2 blocks from that area). I recall that as she was leaving, she approached the burger joint and there is a traffic light right next to it and the entrance was in the middle (for those who entered the burger joint). When she approached the traffic light, there was a vehicle in front of her. My aunt’s vehicle is a van while the car in front of her was a mini vehicle. As the car turned green, the vehicle in front of her moved forward and turned left, however, the driver stopped out of nowhere and my aunt did not have time to react. They had to move to the side and my aunt provided her insurance but the lady in front of her would not. My aunt did not know English and it became difficult. She took pictures of the damage (there was barely any) and her license plate. She could not fault the driver because she did not have evidence (dash cam) and the lady made a claim and mentioned that my aunt was at fault and that a child was also in the vehicle. My aunt was upset because she recalled that there was no child and no care seat but they dismissed her. Ever since then, she has been cautious and has made sure she is far from vehicles. She did get paranoid for a while but improved with time once we talked with the family. It was sad because I only got to know of the situation months afterward. It just upsets me that she couldn’t voice her issue but I am overall glad that she got better and was not injured.
The steps I can take to be a better and safer driver is to follow all the rules. By rules, I mean using my seat belt, never going past the speed limit, and being aware of my surroundings. To ensure I am aware of my surroundings, I will always give the right of way, never miss a stop sign or signal, and most importantly, never use my phone while driving. I believe that one would be the main one because I notice on my drives from and to school, I always notice someone on their phone, and phones are a major distraction. Even when we come to a stop, the first thing I notice is people pull out their phone and once the light turns green, it takes them 2 seconds to realize. Next thing you know, they get the horn (get honked at) and sometimes people just don’t realize how much harm a signal text or phone call can take someone’s life if they are not aware of their surroundings.