In the Driver's Seat

Automobiles have remained an everyday commodity since 1885. The average American owns two vehicles and 35% of American’s own three or more cars. The United States is ranked the third country in the world for the most road and vehicle related deaths; averaging one million deaths a year. The number one cause for road and highway traffic death is distracted driving, new drivers often have little understanding of the responsibility being a driver holds.

The Drivers ed program has provided new drivers with examples of safe driving and road awareness since 1934. They provide examples showing the reality of reckless driving and how it changes the lives around us. Studies have shown that teenagers who have taken a Drivers Ed course are 40% less likely to have a speeding ticket and 4.9% less likely to be involved in a car accident. Young adults who do not participate in a drivers ed course are 75% more likely to get a traffic ticket, 16% more likely to be involved in an accident, and 24% more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. This concluded that the positive impact Drivers Ed has on young drivers has greatly reduced the risk of receiving a speeding ticket as well as being involved in a fatal accident in that teen’s life. If we are to look for ways to make the roads of America safer, we must start with the generation that will uphold America in the future.

Encouraging safe driving practices as well as adapting new intelligent driving cars will be key to creating a safer environment on our roads. If distracted driving is the number one cause of vehicle accidents, the most effective solution would be to slightly remove the physical driving. With the modern technology, self-driving cars are becoming increasingly popular and have been shown much safer to drive. With the car sensors and cameras, the car’s space cushion can be set to a consistent distance, it is able to make driving in traffic safer, and is able to recognize sudden motion or objects in front of the vehicle and stop to prevent accidents. With this new technology, driving has become safer and the more we take advantage of this, the closer we will be to reducing the annual vehicle deaths every year in the United States.

Through my experience as a new driver, I have faced a variety of experiences, from the ignorance of other drivers on the road and my lack of awareness to my own surroundings. It is my responsibility-as a driver-to ensure that following the law, maintaining awareness while driving, and keeping the road safe in every way possible are my top priorities. Regardless that I cannot control other drivers on the road, I can ensure my own responsible driving by abiding by the laws and setting a good example for other drivers on the road. It is each driver’s responsibility to continue striving for safety on the road for both themselves and others.