Driving: Freedom, Independence and the Importance of Education

Freedom.  Independence.   These words are often mentioned when talking about the sacrifices made by the members of our armed forces throughout history and describing the numbers of lives lost as a result.   Yet,   those numbers are exceeded when discussing the loss of life due to driving-related incidents.   For many people, especially those who are new to driving, getting a driver's license is a path to freedom and independence and a step toward adulthood.   Responsibility, though equally important, is less emphasized and less discussed.  The automobile is seen as a visual representation of freedom exemplified by the power and control it gives to a driver.   However, its combination of speed and an average weight of two tons can make it a lethal weapon in irresponsible hands.  Driver education can be a key to reducing the behaviors that lead to accidents:  impatience and inattention.   These days everyone seems to be in a hurry to get where they want to go.  For new drivers, the sense of freedom from having to ride a school bus or public transportation with the multiple stops that come with those modes of transportation is a powerful feeling.  However, the impatience that might have been felt as a passenger often becomes impatience as a driver when dealing with traffic.  The urge to speed, to disregard traffic signals and signs, and to constantly change lanes is tempting even if to save a few minutes here and there.  Similarly,  the inattention to traffic, which we can get away with as a passenger can be just as concerning.  As a passenger, you can afford to immerse yourself in your choice of music or catch up on the latest news, gossip, or entertainment on your mobile devices.  As a driver, you must be focused on your vehicle, those other vehicles around you, and your surroundings.   While I have never seen friends or family drive irresponsibly, my view from the passenger seat has allowed me to see others speeding, running red lights, making improper turns, and driving distractedly.  Beyond, the basics of learning the rules of the road,   I think that driver's education should emphasize the consequences of dangerous driving.   Sure, we can see the aftermath of accidents as we drive by on the roads, namely the damaged vehicles but rarely do we see the real human cost of deadly traffic accidents.   While learning the rules and practicing behind the wheel is essential,   it is also important to illustrate the potentially deadly consequences of speeding, of running red lights and stop signs,  or being distracted by your phone or electronic devices.   Often we see the images of row after row of headstones in Arlington Cemetery and other similar places.   Think about how effective it could be in reducing bad driving behavior if we imprint a similar image in the minds of drivers to show the costs of that behavior.  Numbers become numbing and incomprehensible the larger they get but imagery can last a lifetime.   Along with the basic images of signs and rules and the demonstrations of proper technique, new drivers should hear first-hand stories from those affected by bad driving and see real images of what can happen.  Muscle memory is important for driving but maybe visual memory should also be emphasized and may mean the difference between making a bad driving decision and choosing not to.

As much as I enjoy learning to drive on my own time and with people I know and trust, I do believe a formal structured driving program should be a requirement for learning to drive.   It's undeniable that while new drivers can cause accidents, there are plenty of long-time drivers who cause problems as well.   Years of driving can lead to bad habits and even seasoned drivers can succumb to impatience and distraction.   We often hear that children emulate the behaviors that they see in their parents and other adults.  There is no reason why that would not also apply to driving.  Many states have trended towards allowing families to educate new drivers on their own with supervised time behind the wheel and other informal instruction.   However, this assumes that families will instruct new drivers in a way that instills responsibility.   Is it right to assume, that the family will teach new drivers to drive defensively?    No,  that is too big of an assumption to make.   When driving defensively,  one tries to avoid assumptions such as assuming that a car will stop when a red signal appears or assuming that the car next to you or in front of you is going to use a turn signal properly.   Assuming that a family member will provide responsible instruction without any formal requirements could lead to more trouble.   While some families may not be able to afford formal driver education programs,   states could also allow family instruction provided that the person or persons who will teach new drivers can demonstrate a history of good driving or at least a lack of bad driving.   States could also require that the driving instructor demonstrate proficiency and knowledge of the proper techniques and rules of driving.   Our country does not entrust the training of our armed forces to people who have not demonstrated proficiency in military training.  Why should we not require proficiency for those who are training people for an activity that most people will be more likely to engage in military service?

For me, the keys to being a better driver will incorporate three keywords:  knowledge, self-control, and practice.   Knowledge is demonstrated by mastery of the rules and mastery of best driving tips for dealing with various situations.  Self-control is demonstrated by knowing and accepting that I can only control my own car and my own emotions and will do my best to avoid behaviors or creating situations that are dangerous.   Finally, as with most activities,  practice improves proficiency When it comes to driving, practice may not lead to perfection but it can lead to safer and more defensive driving behavior, and in an uncertain world that is the best we can do.