The Invisible Shield of Defensive Driving

Driver education isn't just about passing a test at the DMV; it's about equipping drivers with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate and understand the road. Along with creating habits, safer driving behaviors, and greater road safety awareness, ultimately saving and protecting the precious lives of drivers and occupants. In preparation for a license, we memorize road signs, practice parallel parking, and take written exams, but how many of us are aware of and adopt the skills of defensive driving, the skill of anticipating danger before it happens? A skill that is typically practiced from paranoia after an accident, rather than being a common habit among drivers. 

  

In 2024, an article titled "The Importance of Driver Education in Reducing Road Fatalities" further emphasizes the necessity of driver education. Facts showcased in the article state," According to a study published by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, individuals who have undergone formal driver education are up to 40% less likely to be involved in a crash." Being aware of typical driving behaviors can prompt individuals to take extra precautions with their driving technique. In the AAA Foundation's 2024 Safety Index,"(80–97%) perceive behaviors like aggressive driving, red‑light running, and distracted driving as very or extremely dangerous." Even with this common perception among the surveyed, 27% admitted to running a red light in the past 30 days. 49% admitted to speeding 15 mph over the limit on a freeway in the past 30 days. 20% admitted to driving while drowsy in the past 30 days. If an audience is educated about those who knowingly take part in dangerous situations, we can assume those drivers would adopt a defensive driving style. 

  

Interventions for safer driving can include many already common measures, such as harsher penalties for violations (fines, license suspensions, parole, etc.) and car safety features (hands-free mode, emergency brakes, etc.). What I have found is commonly overlooked by my peers is not only knowledge of how to be considerate of their driving behaviors, but also of how to be defensive drivers. Even as a safe driver who navigates the roads with care, everyone is still vulnerable to a car accident. Executing the role of a defensive driver can mean staying a few feet away from cars ahead to be aware of sudden stops, being alert to surrounding drivers' habits or inconsistencies, or, what has become an extremely important lesson for me, waiting a few seconds after a green light before proceeding.  

  

I have experienced two car accidents, which left me with injuries and the vehicle totaled, resulting from the accompanying drivers speeding through red lights at the intersection and not from any fault that I committed. The most recent of the two occurred on my way home from school with my mother in the driver's seat, my young sister in the back seat behind the passenger seat, and me in the front passenger seat. At an intersection, like any driver, my mother proceeded when the light turned green. Immediately after driving off, the car was struck on the back passenger side, crushing the doors of the passenger side, sending us into a spiral. The car was lifted off the ground and then slammed into another car, putting us back down. The impact jammed our doors, locking us in, and deployed the airbags. Speeding at 90 mph, the older man who struck us was asked why he was going that fast or what had happened at the wheel, and he simply replied, "I don't know." The injuries consisted of the elderly man breaking his fingers due to the impact while holding on to the steering wheel, bruising of my sister's ribs and collarbones, my legs immediately went into shock, feeling as if they were on fire, and both my mother and I suffered severe whiplash. Thankfully, nothing fatal; however, the force of the crash into the car is an unforgettable, terrifying impact I can recall. Paranoia succumbs to my mind and body whenever in the car, even with a sudden break or someone merging too close to the car, brings me panic. 

  

Since, I've consistently reminded drivers to be defensive and alert, being aware solely of your own driving skills makes you vulnerable to others' mistakes. Wait a few seconds after the green light; it is worth being honked at.  

  

With voices of advocacy and testimony I can improve driver safety and protection by sharing the knowledge I have gained from experience and helping others recognize that anyone can be involved in a car accident, no matter how great a driver you claim to be. Just as it is important to prioritize your own driving etiquette to prevent collisions, it's crucial to remain suspicious of those you share the road with.