As a new driver with a younger sister who just earned her permit, I recognize how important drivers ed is. Even though our parents taught us the physical part of driving, it was important for us to learn valuable lessons about road signs, expectations for student drivers, different parts of a car, and advice for poor weather conditions and crashes in a classroom environment. Multiple studies have confirmed the importance of drivers ed in reducing teen accidents. According to AAA, drivers ed reduces the risk of crashing by 4.3% and conviction by 40%. Additionally, a study done by the Nebraska Safety Council reported that in their state, young drivers who did not take a drivers ed course were 24% more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident than their counterparts.
The National Safety Council stated that the three main causes of motor vehicle accidents are alcohol, speeding, and distraction. In order to reduce the number of driving related deaths, people must take corrective steps in these directions. For example, to avoid alcohol related incidents, it is necessary to have a plan for transportation if people plan on drinking, whether it is a designated driver, lyft, uber, etc.. Generally, people need to plan on never getting behind the wheel if they’re even the slightest bit intoxicated. In terms of reducing speeding, one step people, myself included, need to start taking is being more proactive to leave on time to avoid feeling rushed. When I am stressed, I make unsafe decisions that I would feel no need to take if I had spare time. Additionally, as taught in drivers ed, drivers must remember that the speed limit is for ideal conditions only and that at night or in dangerous weather, they should be going below the speed limit. Driving slower will give drivers better vehicle control and spatial awareness to reduce accidents.
Lastly, in order to reduce car related deaths, drivers must eliminate distractions. While I have been fortunate enough as to avoid any serious accidents, as a driver I have been in one minor one. When I was pulling out of my garage, I turned to look at my sister who was talking to me. Because I was not focused on my mirrors and surroundings, I scraped the side of a car that was parked behind my driveway. As a result of the accident, I became a more conscious driver. My phone stays on Do Not Disturb when I am driving so that I don’t hear or see notifications, I put passengers in charge of music and don’t touch the radio unless the car is stopped, and I ask my sister to stop talking in poor road conditions, while backing out, etc.. These are the steps that I have taken that I must also encourage my friends and family to take. Putting into practice the lessons taught in drivers ed and general safety tips will reduce car related deaths caused by alcohol, speeding, and distraction.