Reduce Accidental Deaths Now!

Driver education saves human life. It gives you the basic and critical knowledge of safety on the road. It trains awareness of one’s surroundings and allows one to practice critical thinking skills when analyzing situations. At the same time, driver education creates the opportunity to consider new situations and respond appropriately. Driver education facilitates the ability to empathize with others and puts oneself in their shoes. It forces one to grasp the realities and consequences of driving decisions, as well as analyze the difference between what is safe and what is not. Driver education provides a greater perspective on car accidents and the resulting injuries and deaths that affect not only drivers and passengers, but also their families and friends. It gives real life statistics, such as how an average of 34,000 people in America experience fatal driving accidents each year, that jar the mind to accept those realities that exist (dmvedu.org). Most importantly, driver education teaches that many accidents and deaths can be prevented by taking actionable steps, and it prevents those avoidable mistakes. With a heightened awareness and caution on the road, drivers can protect themselves and others from crashes, injuries, and deaths, all which can occur in fractions of seconds. That’s why driver education is critical in preserving safety and human life while behind the wheel.

The most common causes of fatal vehicle accidents are alcohol impaired-driving and speeding. To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, one should always be aware of their surroundings. It is critical to anticipate driver and human error by utilizing proactive driving, such as keeping safe distances and reporting drunk, swerving, and sleepy drivers. Before entering a vehicle, riders should utilize designated drivers when substances are consumed and withhold keys from anyone under the influence. A driver must make sure they are physically and emotionally well in order to maintain focus and remain clear-minded. This includes ensuring one has ample time to drive safely and not exceed speeding regulations or avoiding situations that may increase pressure to drive recklessly and make risky decisions. When riding as a passenger, one should not take focus away from the driver, and they should share education with other drivers. Other important steps include eliminating distractions such as texting and loud music, maintaining best vehicle functionality, getting vision checked regularly, reviewing driver education manuals often, keeping informed of new traffic laws, and advocating for stricter driving regulations.

I have heard countless stories of vehicle accidents and the short-term and long-term consequences of them. For example, when I was younger, my family was involved in a car accident where the driver behind us was not paying attention and hit us from behind. Our car lurched forward, and it was sudden and shocking. Thankfully, there were no immediate injuries, but my mother warned me that hidden injuries can be masked by adrenaline and that they may not reveal until hours or days later. I realized that car accidents affect people both emotionally and physically, long after we believe we are okay. In another example, my sister’s best friend experienced a car collision that resulted in the death of several teenagers who were driving under the influence. It was scary and extremely difficult to process. These moments and experiences reflect the longevity of repercussions due to vehicle collisions, as well as the fragility of human life.

There are many steps I can take to be a better and safer driver, as well as help others be safer on the road. First, as a younger driver myself, I can be aware of how prone I am to experience accidents and can take precautions to help prevent them. Because the average person forgets more than 50% of new information within 24 hours, it is critical that others and I retain driver education long after first learning it, even decades later (indegene.com). To do so, I can review driver education manuals, traffic laws, and regulations often to stay informed and retain this essential information. I can also ensure that I am physically and emotionally well before driving, as well as prohibit others who are unfit to drive from risking lives behind the wheel. I can reduce my own distractions, such as avoiding texting or calling, only changing the radio when parked, stopped, or at a red light, avoiding listening to loud music, and absolutely never driving when I have consumed substances or am under the influence. I can also utilize proactive driving by anticipating other drivers’ actions on the road. I can ensure that my passengers are utilizing safe habits by wearing seatbelts and sitting in correct positions, and I can share with them driver education. To ensure that my vehicle is in the best condition, I can pay attention to warning lights, have it regularly checked, and keep it clean and dry. If I am not fully prepared to drive safely, I can refuse to get behind the wheel and call a friend or an Uber to drive me instead. Most importantly, I must follow these steps and routines to completion each time I drive so I can save lives and prevent deaths on the road.