Driver education courses are vital in ensuring the safety of all individuals on our roads. Millions of fatalities happen every year as a result of motor vehicle accidents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic accidents claim the lives of over 1.3 million people annually. While various factors can contribute to accidents, most occur due to the lack of education among drivers on the road. We can take several actions to prevent these accidents, but the first step in ensuring the safety of our drivers is to educate students on safe driving habits.
Currently, driver education courses are not typically required for high school graduation. However, these courses should be mandatory. Students learning to drive are still developing their cognitive skills, and distractions pose a significant problem for younger drivers on the road. According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, high school students enrolled in driver education courses have fewer motor vehicle-related crashes or traffic violations than those who do not enroll. Making at least one driving safety course mandatory for all students would result in fewer accidents and likely give more confidence to our young drivers on the road.
Besides educating students on healthy driving habits before they get behind the wheel, we can take several other steps to prevent motor vehicle accidents. One of the most significant contributors to accidents is distractions. Our phones, especially among younger individuals, are a significant issue when maintaining focus. The best habit to adopt while commuting is to keep your phone stored away and on silent. When the phone rings, it is usually not for an emergency. It is beneficial to practice driving without any distractions in the vehicle. Of course, some distractions can happen outside of our vehicles that we have little to no control over; in those situations, it is recommended to shift your focus back to the road until your trip is completed.
Many cars nowadays come equipped with built-in safety features such as object sensors and auto braking; some vehicles can even detect whether the driver is watching the road. These are excellent in preventing accidents, and statistics show that vehicles with these safety features are less likely to be involved in collisions. Research shows that advanced car safety features may reduce the risk of a serious crash by 49% and lower injury risk by 53%. Not everyone can afford a new car with built-in safety features, but enforcing mandatory built-in safety features on all newer vehicles could significantly reduce the rate of accidents.
I have been involved in several accidents, luckily none caused by myself. However, these accidents happened while I was still a developing child, and anxiety in the car was common for me as a result. The worst accident I was involved in occurred when I was a sophomore in high school. My mother and I were T-boned at a traffic light because the other driver ran a red light. The collision happened on my passenger side. Thankfully, I was not severely injured, but I experienced pain for a while and had to undergo chiropractic treatment for several months. The accident took place just one day before my homecoming dance, and unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to the pain I was experiencing. This was devasting for me, as I had plans and a dress picked out months prior. Luckily, the other driver was insured, and we got a cash settlement for the damage caused, but the emotional stress of being a passenger in a vehicle still lingers with me today.
The steps we can take personally to be better drivers and help others drive better are relatively simple. In my life, I make the obvious choices to keep my phone put away and follow posted speed limits and traffic regulations. I also practice patience and consideration for others I share roads with and stay vigilant with an unwavering focus on the road. As someone involved in several accidents, I often remind my friends and loved ones to be safe when commuting. If a friend of mine were to look at their phone behind the wheel and I am present, I would offer to take it and text the person back for them, change the song, look up the directions, or do anything else they need to ensure they stay focused on the road. It is also important, of course, to never drive inebriated, and I always offer a sober ride to friends who are going out. Giving support to each other on and off the road is vital in ensuring our safety.