Driving: A Double-Edged Sword

Driver’s education preaches that driving is a privilege while teenagers believe it’s a right. Teenagers undergo the greatest neurological development at the same time that they learn driving. They become overconfident, impulsive, and rebellious and are a detriment to others. Studies show teenagers are four times more likely to crash in a single mile than an adult. Hence, driving is the leading cause of teenage death in America. Drivers ed can greatly reduce these risks by encouraging positive and stimulating face-to-face interactions which cement the information instructors convey. Learning signs and how to maneuver a vehicle can come from anyone; however, drivers ed offers an edge because it informs teenagers of the laws, provides hands-on experience, alerts several drivers of its consequences like incarceration, and offers continuous learning that can reduce the number of deaths from driving.

Standardizing devices such as ignition interlocks and CellControl in vehicles to minimize internal distractions promotes safer driving and can ultimately reduce casualties from driving. Additionally, if driving school was standardized for new drivers, several would reap its benefits: namely, effective practice and mentors who provide insight regarding the complexities of driving. Lastly, enforcing already existing laws, such as punishment for driving under the influence and zero-tolerance for underaged drinking while driving, and promoting social change can endorse safer driving and reduce driving fatalities. Existing laws strictly enforce consequences and act as an effective countermeasure against unsafe driving. Moreover, broadcasting the financial, legal, and life-altering effects of driving in public facilities can reduce driving-related deaths. Government-funded community enrichment programs wield similar potential.

As for personal experience, my mother, little brother, and I were involved in a car crash when I was twelve. Mild injuries were incurred but thankfully nobody was seriously hurt, including the other driver. However, my mother developed physical trauma that lasted for two years. While I was initially frightened by the near-death experience, I have come to value it as a life lesson because I witnessed what could happen if someone wasn’t paying attention to the road. Moreover, this event spoke to me about the burdens of car accidents because the crash was not my family’s fault, but the financial compensation we received was insufficient for our medical and legal expenses and a new car. This experience urges me to be a more observant driver.

Some practices drivers like myself an utilize are obeying the law, whether it’s the speed limit, knowing where to drive, or giving pedestrians and bicyclists priority; not driving when overcome with emotions; avoiding internal distractions; and being cognizant of the road in case of obstacles, emergency vehicles, signs, and lights. Most importantly, drivers must understand that unsafe driving is a choice; therefore, to avoid it, they must consider the dangers for themselves and others, and make the socially beneficial decision to drive safer. Although driving is a leading cause of death in America, it can be curbed if drivers nationwide abide by safe driving practices and consider everyone’s safety on the road.

Siva Bubby-11th

BASIS Scottsdale 2019 Drivers ed Essay