Driver education can be used to reduce the number of deaths by educating all drivers about the dangers of the road. In most states, a driver’s course must be taken before teenagers can obtain their licenses. From this course, either online or in-person, beginner learners go through a series of modules (or lessons) that educate them about different topics. These topics range from knowledge of the desired driving vehicle to traffic laws and how to handle emergencies while on the road. After these lessons, a quiz is administered making sure the participant can actively recall the information and assess their knowledge. For in-person driving courses, instructors teach inexperienced drivers the basics and continue to build their confidence on the road. This process is crucial in making sure that people know how to avoid dangers on the road and drive safely before they drive by themselves. Other courses are administered like DUI classes, which educate on the dangers of drinking while driving. From these classes all learning drivers and experienced drivers can be better prepared about potential risks and how to safely avoid them, resulting in fewer accidents and casualties.
Steps that can be taken are making sure everyone completes a driving course before obtaining their license, get a certain number of hours with supervised driving, as well as completing a driver’s test. This will affirm the student’s knowledge of the roads and driving in different scenarios. (Due to COVID, most students did not have to take a test, or either the test was modified. Also, most teenagers wait till they are 18 so they do not have to take the driver course. I got my license when I was 18 and took the course with the discretion of my parents. Although I did not want to take it because it seemed like I would spend half of my summer cooped up in my room staring at my computer. I am glad I did because I learned a lot of information which helped prep me when I started driving.) Another step is always driving with low beam headlights to prevent the risk of oncoming traffic being blinded. Wearing a seatbelt is required by the law in most states, but people refuse to wear them; this can result in the prevention and safety of passengers in many accidents. The condition of a car can create a huge risk before a car even leaves a driveway: keeping tires inflated, checking brakes, adjusting sets and mirrors are just a few checks that can be made before starting to drive. For example, making sure you can see the cars behind you from your side and rearview mirrors can help prevent lane passing accidents and drivers and avoid erratic drivers. Another important step is making sure the physical, emotional, and mental health of a driver is in a good state. When a driver is distracted or not fully focused on the road this can increase the risk of driving and put the driver, other drivers, and pedestrians in danger.
I have never been in an accident nor have experienced my family or friends driving irresponsibly (thank goodness). I have seen where people I know have been in accidents that have resulted in car damage, or their car is totaled. For example, one of my friends posted where she had an accident in a parking lot for hitting a car when she was trying to park. In this instance, she misjudged the distance in her mirrors and accidentally hit the back of another car when trying to park. This could have been caused by incorrectly adjusted mirrors, not fully paying attention, or just a freak accident. Nevertheless, this experience opened my eyes to make sure I think before I act when driving.
Many steps can be assessed in making sure that I can be a better driver. First, assessing myself before I drive and making sure I am mentally, physically, and emotionally ready to drive can greatly decrease the risk of hurting myself and others. Another step is checking my vehicle and taking every precautionary step before I start driving anywhere; this can include checking breaks, putting on my seatbelt, checking tire pressure and gas gauge, adjusting the seat and the mirrors. In addition, I can make sure that I drive cautiously in different scenarios and use low beam headlights in the rain, fog, or dark. Driving slow in the rain and fog can help in keeping myself, other drivers, and any pedestrians on the road safe.