Driver education is a crucial part of safe vehicle operation. Not only do you learn what is expected of you as a vehicle operator, but what to expect of the drivers around you. The roads are a shared space and learning how to share that space properly and safely is vital to the driving community.
Traditional driver’s education prepares student drivers with practices and knowledge for safe vehicle operation while also giving them real life experience to develop these skills. Mastery does not come over night, and these in-depth courses and minimum practice hour requirements are essential to creating a solid foundation for new drivers.
These courses will teach basic laws and road etiquette, helping drivers to safely navigate intersections, multi-lane traffic, different driving zones, and learning how to interpret signs and lane indicators to know what to expect as well as what is expected of them. They also offer valuable information about driving in moderate to severe weather conditions, the importance of vehicle maintenance, what to do if your vehicle breaks down or you are in an accident, and the effects of tired driving and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Defensive driving schools are also a valuable resource to new and experienced drivers alike. Unlike traditional driving schools, these courses are typically shorter (sometimes even taking place in a single day) and focus on how to navigate unexpected and extreme driving variables. During these courses, drivers will have the opportunity to practice evasive maneuvers such as sudden emergency stops, obstacle avoidance, how to drive through a skid, and even what to do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane. By practicing these scenarios in a controlled environment, these classes help to prepare drivers for some of the worst-case scenarios they may encounter on the road.
One of the biggest safety concerns for all drivers on the road is distraction, and unfortunately, there is no class dedicated to preparing us for this. When I was 22 years old, I got into my first car accident when failing to stop at an intersection while trying to pull up directions on my phone. Even though I was traveling at less than 15mph, the second vehicle in the collision was traveling at full speed, 45mph, and was unprepared to stop because they had the right of way. The second driver was a mother of two, driving her children home in her minivan. Luckily, no one was injured, even though both vehicles sustained significant damage. The end result could easily have been much, much worse.
The experience taught me that it only takes a moment of distraction for a significant accident to occur. I had been driving for over 6 years at the time, with no issues save a few minor traffic infractions. I had successfully completed both drivers' education and a defensive driving course. I even considered myself to be a safe, vigilant operator, often traveling at or below the speed limit and never under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even though I had been warned about the dangers of distracted driving, I had become so accustomed to using my phone for directions that my subconscious did not register its use as a distraction.
After the accident, I chose not to return to the road, originally because my vehicle had been totaled, and I was not able to afford to replace it at the time. As time went on, I found myself growing increasingly nervous at the thought of getting behind the wheel again. Weeks, months, and eventually years passed, and before I knew it, I no longer held a valid driver's license.
Late last year I welcomed my first child into the world, a healthy baby boy named Joseph. Juggling childcare, employment, a plethora of appointments, and my recent decision to return to school had made my need for reliable and accessible transportation has become both pressing and apparent. I recently made the decision to reapply for my license, which I have plans to test for in the upcoming weeks.
To prepare myself to safely return to the road after nearly seven years of absence I decided to take an online drivers’ education course. While it may not offer the hands-on experience of a traditional driving school, it has helped act as a refresher to ensure I am up to date and aware of all traffic laws. I have also taken time to practice safe vehicle operation by driving with my mother on short trips, allowing me to slowly become reacclimated to feel safe and confident behind the wheel.
While these preparatory steps are important and helpful, there are still many important practices and driving habits that will carry equal weight once I have fully returned to the road. Some of these will include driving at safe speeds, being aware of driving hazards and road conditions, maintaining a mechanically sound vehicle, and of course, never using my phone while driving.