It is a scary fact that the highest percentage of teenage deaths occur behind the wheel. Research shows that teenagers who do not receive driver’s education are involved in more crashes and receive more traffic convictions in comparison to their peers who do attend a driver’s education course. With this knowledge, it seems clear that all states should make driver education mandatory to reduce deaths related to driving. However, according to an article by US News in 2023 and per the Association of National Stakeholders in Traffic Safety Education, only 31 states require this. Those who take driver's education learn many skills, including knowledge of traffic signs and rules, how to control their vehicle, and safe driving practices. These skills are imperative to help reduce accidents and deaths that can occur while driving.
In addition to driver’s education, there are several steps that drivers can take to reduce driving-related deaths. One of these is a reduction in overall distractions. We all know driving requires us to pay attention to many factors, some of which include our speed, traffic lights, the flow of traffic, and pedestrians or bikers within the vicinity. It is important that we are not distracted by our phones while driving, which can be difficult since we have come to rely so heavily on them. To help reduce distractions that phones may cause, many states have implemented “hands free” driving laws and impose fines for those who break the law. In Texas where I live, new drivers are not allowed to use a cell phone for any purpose within the first six months of driving. If we are being honest with ourselves, the temptation can arise while driving or even parked at a red light to answer calls, send a “quick” text, or find one’s favorite music selection from the phone. Before hitting the road, drivers should consider setting up their music preferences, navigation, and even keeping their phone in the back seat to help avoid such temptation. Reducing radio volume and the number of passengers is another strategy to help decrease distractions while driving, especially for new drivers.
Another way we can prevent driving relating deaths is by exercising more patience. I have had personal experience with this when I was a passenger in the car with my mom. We had just moved to Texas, and my mom was driving me to my 6th grade club volleyball practice. Along the drive we came to a red light that was very backed up. My mom decided that she didn’t want to wait in line since we were already running late. So, she decided to take a “shortcut” by turning right at the light instead of going straight. She then decided to turn left across traffic while crossing a double yellow line to cut through a gas station. As she was crossing traffic that stopped for her, I saw another car barreling down the shoulder that eventually became a right turn lane. My mom didn’t see the car nor expect one to be on the shoulder and that car ended up hitting us. Long story short, that “shortcut” ended up causing us to get into an accident and caused me to fully miss my volleyball practice. Since I have received my driver’s license, one thing I have noticed repeatedly is that most drivers aren’t very patient. They won’t let a car merge into the lane with them when needed, they will honk when it isn’t necessary, people tailgate each other, and most people go over the speed limit. By having patience with the drivers on the road and allowing more time to get to our destination, I think many accidents could be avoided.
One of the most important steps people can take to reduce driving deaths is to not drive under the influence of alcohol. The National Highway Safety Administration is launching a campaign within the coming months between August 14 through Labor Day because this timeframe is particularly deadly when it comes to drunk driving. As part of this campaign the public can post social media images that have already been created to help spread the word. Considering that the highest percentage of teen deaths is related to driving incidents, every high school should participate in these types of campaigns or institute their own to spread awareness to new teen drivers. In addition, high schools can partner with local law enforcement and organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to provide education, consequences for drunk driving, and personal stories of drunk driving from those whose lives have been affected.
Overall, there are many variables that contribute to driving related deaths. The good news is that society can take multiple steps to make the road a safer place including making driver’s education mandatory in all states, reducing driving distractions, making a mind shift to practice patience while driving on the road, and increasing drunk driving campaigns within high schools, local communities, and across social media. Together, we can reduce unnecessary and tragic driving related deaths.


.