Driving Towards a Safer Future

Driving Towards a Safer Future 

By: Kynlie Smith

     Based on the 2024 data for Texas roadways it is reported that one reportable crash occurred every 5 seconds. In total, there were 4,150 traffic fatalities in 2024, which represents 3.29% decrease from the previous year. Despite the decrease, there were no deathless days on Texas roads throughout the entire year.  Many of these death are preventable if people obtain the correct and proper driver education, and have responsible decision making skills when they are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Drivers education is essential because it teachers drivers safe habits while driving, reduces risky behaviors, and prepares many drivers to protect not only themselves while driving but also others that share the road with them.

     Many will ask, “What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving?” There are many reason why drivers education plays a role in reducing the number of deaths in driving related accidents, one of the most important being that it teaches the rules of the road and many defensive driving techniques. This is very important to young drivers who are just starting how to drive and even many adults because it helps drivers recognize and respond to dangerous situations they may experience. Knowing how to notice and respond to dangerous situations that may occur while driving will help reduce the number of deaths that occur on the roadways. While in drivers education teens will learn about the consequences of speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and reckless behavior while behind the wheel. When I took drivers education the class was shown many videos of the results of these actions whether the reckless drivers ended up in jail, dead, injured, or hurt possibly even killing others on the road. While learning of these repercussion it taught many of us that there is nothing good that comes out of being a reckless driver and making bad decisions. This one step in drivers education teaches teens what not to do while on the road and it can save many driving related deaths because they will learn how to drive smart and safely. Knowing how to handle these situations better equip students with confidence since they are learning how to properly drive the motor vehicles, and they are also confident because they are learning the responsibility behind the wheel. The proper drivers education classes produces better trained drivers, and this reduces the possibility of accidents and deaths involving vehicles on the roadways.

     Another question that many people ask is, “what steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?” Distracted driving the number one leading cause of care crashes and fatalities in the United States. Distracted driving includes activities such as texting, taking a phone call, eating, or adjusting the radio. These activities are responsible for 3,275 deaths and even more injuries. One way we can reduce the number of deaths caused by car crashes and the number of car crashes in general is to eliminate the usage of a phone and texting while driving. When using a phone while driving many people get distracted to the point that they are not paying attention to the road at all, and this can lead to many car accidents that can be entirely prevented. By eliminating phone usage the multitude of wrecks that happen and deaths that follow will no longer be a problem, and can reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Along with distracted driving, drinking and driving is a leading factor in car crashes accounting for about 30% of all traffic related fatalities. This does not only include alcohol but also illegal drugs and some prescription medications that can effect driving. Never driving under the influence will help reduce the number of car crashes that happen. Along with this there need to be more enforcement of the traffic laws not only with influenced driving, but also with speeding laws. The second biggest cause of car crashes is speeding. Speeding alone caused over 11,000 fatalities. With stricter enforcement of the traffic laws these problems would be reduced by a lot, and it would get unsafe drivers off of the road sooner, before they could cause an accident that could result in a fatality. 

      Unfortunately, I have seen a friend of mine get into a bad car accident, and end up in the ICU as a result of this. I would have never thought this could happen to someone that I know, and many others do not think that this can happen to someone that you know either. I have known this friend for 9 years and have spent many days hanging out together. These accidents can happen really quicky before you even know what is truly going on. In an instant friends and family that you know can be impacted severely. Not only does it impact the driver and the others in the car, it also impacts friends and families of the victims. In the particular car crash that I am referring to, not only was my friend severely injured, but the passenger in the car was also injured in the ICU as well. This has taught me the importance of safe driving because it shows how much a wreck can impact the people you love and yourself. Luckily my friend and the passenger survived, but the way I view safe driving will forever be impacted. It has shown me that safe driving is super important, and that it is something that should always be taken seriously.

      After saying all of this, these are some steps that I can take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road. The first thing that I will do and make sure all of my passengers are doing, in order to stay safe, is to make sure that everyone is wearing their seatbelts. This is one of many safety precautions that I can follow to reduce the number of injuries and deaths if there were to be a crash of any sort. Another major thing that I will do while driving is to make sure that my phone is fully away while driving in order to eliminate distractions. Avoiding distractions will keep me focused while driving, and help prevent a crash that could occur due to distractions. One of the most important things that I can personally do it to make sure I never drive under the influence, never ride with someone who is under the influence, and make sure that people who are under the influence so not get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.   I will also speak up if I notice any unsafe driving behaviors to prevent a crash before it happens, and save anyone who could possibly be injured in the process. This sets a positive example for younger drivers and passengers, and makes them see the importance of drivers education in safe driving.

      In conclusion, drivers education is one of the most effective ways to prevent traffic related deaths. Evry  driver has a responsibility to make the right and safe choices while driving, and drivers education gives them the education need to make those decisions. By practicing safe driving habits and encouraging others to do the same, everyone can help make the roads safer and save lives while doing it. Every safe decision made behind the wheel has a potential to save lives, and drivers education can teach student how to make those proper decisions.