On the road to Safety

Claudia Lamorgese December 2019

On the Road to Safety

Automobiles have become the leading source of transportation for the human race over the last few decades. Along with their rise in popularity, cars have also become one of the major causes of death and trauma, with over 3 million individuals in the United States alone injured in car accidents every year (Driver Knowledge, 2019). Being the driver of a vehicle comes with much more risk and responsibilities than most are aware of. As the rate of accidents and deaths continue to rise, drivers ed is a pillar for keeping all individuals safe.

Driver education is something that is implemented to any new driver, however, it is becoming exceedingly more important to enforce the significance of safety on the road. Being a safe driver goes much further than putting on a seatbelt and checking blindspots at every turn; driving responsibly includes being in a constant state of awareness, for the safety of both the driver and the individuals around the vehicle.

There are a multitude of factors that go into promoting safety on the road for both drivers and pedestrians. The basis of drivers ed can be offered by driving schools which are responsible for instructing the primary rules and regulations that are necessary for all drivers. Driving schools should highlight the cruciality of avoiding drugs, alcohol and the use of technology while on the road. There should also be an emphasis on the importance of wearing seat belts, being vigilant and respecting road signals. One way to improve driver education is to implement teaching techniques such as the use of short videos, interviews and documentaries to increase stimulation and ease the transferring of information to students. Teaching new drivers factual statistics about the dangers of negligence and lack of responsibility will create an understanding of why safety behind the wheel is so important.

Deaths and injuries due to car accidents can be decreased by lowering speed limits, increasing visibility of cross walks and implementing more information to the general public about safe driving. Governments can broadcast more media conveying the importance of being a responsible driver, as well as the dangers of not following safety conduct. Furthermore, drivers ed can be enforced in various high schools and colleges, where officials of the law can educate young individuals on the importance of driving responsibly.

I have been in a total of three car accidents as a passenger and each accident was a result of negligence behind the wheel. Two out of the three accidents were due to texting and driving. Coming from a generation where technology is so present, it becomes even more important for young drivers to be educated on the dangers of opening their cell phones behind the wheel. Basic enforcement of this information can prevent hundreds of future accidents from happening.

Being a safe driver is a continuous cycle where there is constant room for improvement. Every driver must educate themselves on ways to improve their driving habits and forcefully practice responsible driving at all times. Drivers ed must continue to modernize in terms of development and delivery, to ensure maximal learning by all new drivers. With the proper utilization and application of driver education, human beings will successfully find themselves on the road to safety.

Sources

Car Accident Statistics in the U.S.: Driver Knowledge. (2019). Retrieved from https:// www.driverknowledge.com/car-accident-statistics/.

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