In the 80’s and 90’s, students in most states were required to take a driver’s education course. They had to watch videos, take quizzes and sit in simulated cars to learn all about driving dos and don’ts. Part of the reasoning for driver’s education was to promote safety on the road. Since that time, schools no longer offer the course and parents have to teach their children on their own or pay a hefty fee for private driver’s education training. Having driver’s education would allow for students to learn the laws of driving, increase road safety and hopefully reduce the number of driver related deaths. Driver education could play a crucial role in reducing driving-related deaths by providing new drivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a vehicle safely, including understanding traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, the dangers of reckless behavior like speeding or distracted driving, and how to handle different road conditions, ultimately leading to better decision-making behind the wheel and minimizing the risk of accidents. All in all, students should be taught about safe driving in order to keep our roads safe.
There are several steps which can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. First, most important and something that should be an innate thought, is wearing a seatbelt. Seatbelts, even if they seem uncomfortable do save lives. Second, and something which created a movement by parents, politicians and others across the globe, is people should not drive when they are impaired by drugs or alcohol. Always have a designated driver and in the world today, take advantage or rideshares if you have been drinking or cannot drive. Third, people should never get behind the wheel when they are angry or anxious. These feelings can impair their judgement and distract them from driving correctly. Fourth, but equally as important is limit or eliminate talking on the phone while driving. People seem to think with features like handsfree talking or having ear pods limits their risk of traffic accidents, but talking on the phone or voice texting can be just as distracting. Fifth, people should drive within the posted speed limit. These limits were put in place for a reason and although people will often express the limit is too slow, they should be thinking about road safety. Sixth, aggressive and distracted drivers are something to always be on the lookout for. People who are on their phones, maybe look like they are having an argument with a passenger, grooming while driving or tailgating have been the source of many fatal accidents. Lastly, while people cannot control the weather, they can be aware of it and drive according to what it is. Things like keeping one’s tires up to date, having working windshield wipers and other safety features working, will assist in reduce fatalities on the road.
I have been fortunate enough not to have been in an accident or seen any friends or family driving irresponsibly. My parents took time and effort to teach my sister and I how to be safe on the road. They have stressed the importance of all the ways I mentioned to stay safe and wanted to make sure when we obtained our license, we would put what we learned into practice. As a family, we have many conversations about how to be safe on the road and remind each other when leave to be careful of others. Obviously, we cannot predict what other drivers will do, but we can keep ourselves and others safe by being responsible drivers ourselves.
In order to be a better and safer I believe people should take the time to review the rules of driving and road safety. These things should not just be learned to obtain a license or because they attend driving school due to a ticket, but because they care about their safety and that of others on the road. Although I am young and just recently acquired my driver’s license, I am try my best to ask questions and learn more about safe driving. I also believe it is important to do things like keep a safe following distance and try your best to avoid distractions. We all have times when we are in a rush to get somewhere, yet practicing road safety should be important than running lights, cutting people off or getting mad at drivers you do not feel are driving fas enough for you. Overall, people need to continue their education about safe driving as they do other things.