Passing the Test Doesn't Mean You Won't Pass Away

Driver education is critically important in reducing the number of driving related deaths. My drivers ed instructor used a powerful metaphor to burn into our brains the importance of driver safety. He said when you are behind the wheel of a car you are holding a loaded gun with your finger on the trigger. If you are irresponsible with it, you could get yourself or someone else killed. To reduce driving related deaths, people need to be reminded that it can happen to anyone, including themselves. Many teenagers often feel that they are invincible, or that all the tragic stories they hear on the news could never happen to them. While it’s common for adolescents to feel this way, it only makes it more necessary that safety is nailed into their brains. They should not only be educated on safe driving, but on the possible consequences of reckless driving. Truly effective drivers ed should break down and discuss adolescents’ excuses: “It’s okay to speed if no one is around. I can roll through a stop sign if I am running late for work. I can text my friend while I’m driving as long as I check the road every few seconds.”

A good friend of mine recently broke her neck in a car accident. It wasn’t her fault, which taught me that even safe drivers are at risk on the road. This makes defensive driving vital, for accidents can happen to anyone. Humans are fragile, and even with today’s safety technology, the greatest defense we have is our brain. We must be alert and conscious of the people around us, for they are just as much a threat to us as we are to them. Learning how to be a responsible defensive driver should be integrated into all driver education programs and courses. A series of public service announcements broadcasted on various media channels would be an invaluable way of reminding all drivers of their serious responsibilities on the road.

Simply waiting until you’re old enough to take the driving exam isn’t enough anymore. Knowing how to drive a car and stay in your lane doesn’t necessarily make you an educated driver. All people should be required to take drivers ed courses so they are exposed to the wide range of risks that exist on the roads, whether it be weather, other drivers, or themselves.

Finally, practicing what you preach is critical. I will keep a worry stone in my car to remind me of all my friends who’ve been in accidents. This stone will psychologically trigger memories and feelings which remind me of the importance of driver safety. Even the most well-trained gun experts follow the same basic rules. They aren’t exempt from safety just because they’ve been doing it a long time. As someone who aspires to become a teacher one day, I will integrate driver safety into many of my lessons, advocating for the safety of my students and others while on the road.