In the Driver’s Seat

Haruka Kido November 25, 2019

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.)

with Computer Science Focus. Mathematics minor.

University of North Dakota

Driver Education Initiative Award, 2019 Scholarship

In the Driver’s Seat

The importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths related to vehicular driving is just as important as fueling gas into an empty tank. In the Annual Global Road Crash Statistics by The ASIRT estimates “nearly 1.25 million people die in road crashes each year, on average 3,287 deaths a day,” costing “USD $518 billion globally.” These statistics are unacceptable and deem the global epidemic of vehicular accidents a major public concern. The good news is there are measurable and strategic methods to significantly changing these numbers. One method is drivers ed. Drivers ed is the responsibility of every person on the road and provides drivers with both analytical aptitude and comprehensive information on common road scenarios, signals, and signs. Every driver should know and abide by traffic laws to reduce the effects of potential variables that may cause accidents or injuries as much as possible.

To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, we can take the steps below:

1. Proper maintenance and inspection of vehicle through emergency equipment management and vehicle assessment records of mechanical, exterior, interior, fluid, and battery systems.
2. Know and abide by traffic laws. Follow the speed limits. Know the meanings of road signs and signals.

3. Practice defensive driving. Always wear a seatbelt, have unobstructed views of mirrors, use turning signals, turn on lights when necessary. Always drive sober, without distractions, and when alert.

4. Maintain enough distance between other vehicles.

5. Avoid driving in inclement weather conditions.

I have previously experienced a car accident as a passenger. Subsequently, my mother and I had to be hospitalized. As the driver, my mother needed to receive stitches along her eyebrows from the impact of broken glass. If the drivers had provided themselves more time to analyze their turns, the cars may not have crashed into one another. Analytical assessments are crucial in safe driving.

To maintain safer driving, these steps can be followed:

1. Avoid driving in inclement weather conditions.

2. Do not rush. Provide time to analyze road and traffic conditions.

3. Use GPS.

To help others become safer drivers, we can:

1. Use social media to encourage safe driving and disseminate information on the statistics of fatalities and injuries related to driving.

2. Drive only if and when we have to.

3. Continuously learn about traffic laws.

4. Pay attention to environmental circumstances such as traffic, weather conditions, and construction.

5. Participate in training events that can enhance our analytical and spatial abilities.

Bibliography

1. Association for Safe International Road Travel, https://www.asirt.org/safe-travel/road-safety-facts/