Drivers education is such an important topic because of the high number of deaths faced per year. An average of 34,000 people die each year in America. That amount of people is mind-blowing to me. That is more than the entire population of Fairbanks, AK, my states second largest city! When I read that number, my anxiety started to rise.
Basic drivers' education is so critical to the everyday safety of everyone within our vicinity, yet so many drivers choose to ignore it. Whither it stems from being too lazy to take the time to read the drivers manual, or believing that you are above the rules, you are putting people's lives at risk.
There are some basic steps that we can all take to increase driver safety, not only in America, but the world. This includes basic things, such as seat belts, checking mirrors, and routine car maintenance. These may not seem like much, but they can be the difference between life and death for you, or someone else. Safe driving also helps save money! You will be paying less for insurance and hopefully paying nothing for tickets or damages.
Seat belts, for me, are just common sense. Yet, I cannot think of all the times I have driven with someone, and they choose not to wear their seat belts. This simple mechanism has been estimated to have saved around 15,000 lives in the US alone. But I still have family members who refuse to wear them. I understand that this is a personal choice, but something that they might not be aware of, is that kids like to soak up this information like a sponge. They want to be like dad, and dad does not wear seat belts. We need to do a better job to set the right example for our kids, because they are eventually who we are going to be going up against on the road. We need to start them off right.
Another great way to reduce the risk of accidents, is to use our vehicles mirrors. Yes, these amazing devices are not attached to our vehicles for aesthetics, but for being able to be aware of our surroundings! Mirrors alert you when someone may be approaching, when it is safe to merge, when reversing, and if emergency vehicles may be approaching. Merging lanes can be scary when learning to drive but so is merging into a lane with someone in your blind spot! It is not enough to just check your mirrors but also be aware of all surroundings. This is just another step in the direction of being a responsible driver.
Routine car maintenance can also help drivers be safe on the roads. This may also be something that may be more difficult from person to person, as incomes are all different, as well as vehicle parts and mechanic shop availability. But none-the-less, it is an important task, and your duty to ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition. Always routinely check all fluids, check tires for wear-and-tear, and ensure that all lights are in working order, even blinkers and brake lights, and always make sure to check on your brake system.
Fluids are important to make sure that your vehicle is properly lubricated, cooled, and have pressure to brakes. Checking your tires can ensure that you have enough traction for wet, icy, or even dry roads. Tire pressure should also always be checked, this will also help with fuel economy. Lights are important, not only for you to see, but for other drivers and pedestrians as well. Brake lights and blinkers also give a heads-up to other drivers in the area to what your intentions may be while driving. For all the new drivers out there, who are so excited to get driving, you may want to check on something else before-hand, if you want to stop that is! Brake pads wear down over time and need to be replace. Always ensure you have enough pad left, and a smooth surface for them to clamp!
These last two points, lights and brake pads, are things that I was personally at fault for not doing. My first vehicle that I owned was a 1994 Ford Explorer, which had sat in storage for 10+ years. I was new to driving and did not have the knowledge that I have now. First, on a trip from Wasilla, AK to Anchorage, AK, I almost gotten into an accident as I approached the end of the Glenn Highway and towards the first stop light. I went to press my brake to slow down but got no response. Traffic was coming from the left and right, and I had no idea what to do! So, I threw the vehicle into park and weaved through the oncoming traffic. Luckily nobody was hurt, but I felt so dumb for the lives I had almost taken.
Another incident occurred while I was driving in Fairbanks, AK. I was pulled over by the Fairbanks Police Department while pulling into the driveway of my hotel. I immediately started to wonder what I could have done. As it turns out, my rear passenger blinker was not working. They had followed me for a while and were able to see the blinker on from the front. We were both respectful throughout the interaction, and he explained the importance of safety and how blinkers alert other drivers of your intentions. He made it clear that he did not pull me over for a ticket, but to educate me on the importance of functioning lights.
So when it comes down to what steps can be taken to make someone a better driver, look at my blinker example. Educating your fellow driver can go a long way. If you see someone you know do something wrong or dangerous, say something. You may very well save their life in the future. Next time your younger cousin needs help checking his oil, show him how to read a dipstick and what the waffle graph on one means. Do so in a way that you encourage them to do better and not discourage them.
Anyways, that was my take on the importance of driver safety. I hope this may help someone who is just starting to learn to drive, find a little confidence and teach them some basics. It might not be very in depth, but getting those gears turning in their heads, can have a big impact. Just remember, you are the captain of your ship now, and responsible for the lives of many people from this day forward. Best of luck! And drive up to Alaska some time!