One big takeaway I will always remember from driving school is that driving is a privilege, not a right. It was a key lesson from day one of driving school, educating us that our actions on the road can be the difference between life and death. She then elaborated to the class what she meant, as a privilege is something that is granted and can be taken away, such as a driver’s license. While a right is an entitlement that is protected by law, such as freedom of speech. When I think of my experience in driving school and the process of obtaining my driver’s license, I remember that driver education plays a crucial role in instilling this sense of responsibility to new drivers. I strongly believe that driving education should be mandated for everyone, regardless of age, before obtaining their driver’s license. In addition to that, I also strongly believe that those with a license should commit to continuous learning, staying updated on traffic laws, road safety practices, and defensive driving skills. This, all together, will be beneficial for all drivers on the road and to maintain safe driving practices.
When I reminisce about my time in driving school, it was during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. I was around 15 ½ at the time and was excited to complete the first step of getting my license. However, I could only attend one in-person class before we had to go remote. However, the technicality of Covid and the transition between in-person classes to virtual didn’t stop me from learning the beneficial lessons from driving school. From basic traffic rules such as using roundabouts and learning how to merge, to the different forms of distracted driving and what to do if you’re stuck in a snowstorm. However, the overall lesson I learned from driving school was how to stay safe on the road. During driving school, they highly emphasized about motor vehicle accidents. This was a daily reminder for us to stay safe behind the wheel as countless lives are injured or lost due to unsafe driving practices. They taught us that, despite the advancements in vehicle safety technology and improving road infrastructure, motor vehicle accidents remain alarmingly high. Motor vehicle accidents take on individuals, families, and communities, leading to not only the tragic loss of life but also severe injuries, emotional trauma, and significant economic costs.
The causes of motor vehicle accidents can be caused by several factors such as human error, environmental conditions, or vehicle-related issues. While it’s not possible to eliminate all risks entirely, many factors that contribute to motor vehicle accidents can be managed or mitigated. One important step before hopping behind the wheel is by focusing on driver education. Comprehensive driver education programs equip new and experienced drivers with the knowledge and skills that are necessary for safe driving. In addition to that, many driver education programs implement defensive driving techniques. This key component in the driver education curriculum provides the essential techniques to avoid potential hazards on the road and taking proactive steps to avoid accidents. The reason why I mention this is due to experience. I live in a state where snow storms are quite common and can be quite brutal. In the area I grew up in, roads are not maintained regularly, especially during the winter months. Even on a 10 minute drive to the grocery store, you would see multiple cars wiped out on the side of the road due to the slippery conditions of the snow. While most drove as slow as possible to increase precautions, many drivers would continue going to normal speeds, tailgating others, and fail to brake on time, resulting in them losing traction and control of their vehicle. Another aspect of defensive driving taught me to be alert at all times. Where I live, there are countless potholes. Most drivers swerve in and out of the roads to avoid them as much as possible. Even going at high speeds, drivers will still recklessly drive out of the lanes to avoid hitting one. If potholes are bad, imagine what roundabouts are like. The amount of times I’ve seen drivers failing to yield to oncoming traffic or road rage incidents when a driver cuts another person off. While we can’t predict another driver’s motive or fix all the potholes in the world, I believe that if everyone went through a driver’s education course, it would provide the essential curriculum and techniques needed to navigate the complexities of driving safely. Comprehensive driver education offers crucial insights into handling various driving scenarios, understanding and adhering to traffic laws, and developing defensive driving skills. Not only that, driving education also teaches drivers how to stay calm on the road and how to handle several situations such as emergencies or road rage incidents.
While driver education is one step to reduce the number of deaths related to motor vehicle accidents, it doesn’t mean that it’s enough. I also believe that cities should implement and mandate comprehensive driver education programs and encourage drivers to take advanced driving courses to improve their skills in handling adverse conditions and emergency situations. In addition to that, driver education programs can promote vehicle safety and the importance of regular maintenance. Another way cities can reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents is increasing enforcement of traffic laws and improving road infrastructure. Local governments around the country should consider enforcing speed limits, using mobile phones while driving, and DUI enforcement to increase safety on everyday roads. While I am grateful that I have never been in a car accident, unfortunately, I often witness many of my friends and family driving irresponsibly. The most common issues I see include distractions such as texting, eating, or even painting one's nails while driving. These actions not only divert attention from the road but also significantly increase the risk of an accident. Additionally, I’ve observed more serious incidents, such as racing along the highway or driving while impaired after a night out. Now that I’m in college, these behaviors are particularly alarming and dangerous, as they compromise not only the driver's safety but also that of others on the road. In situations where I recognize that someone is not fit to drive, I make an effort to intervene. I offer to drive them myself, arrange for a ride through services like Uber or Lyft, or encourage them to stay in for the night if possible. I firmly believe that no momentary convenience or thrill is worth risking one's life or the lives of others.
Becoming a better and safer driver will not only protect you, but protect others around you as well. Improving your driving skills and helping others do the same can significantly enhance road safety. Drivers should dedicate themselves to ongoing learning and staying informed about traffic laws, road safety practices, and defensive driving techniques. While most driver education programs span 2-12 weeks, this is just the beginning, and continuous practice is essential for retaining the knowledge gained. I strongly believe that driver education is crucial for all drivers on the road. It is essential to teach drivers the necessary knowledge and skills to maintain safety and responsibility. As my driving instructor told me on day one of driving school, driving is a privilege, not a right.