Traffic collisions and fatalities are as old as automobiles themselves. The first traffic fatality on record in the US occurred in New York in 1899, and it certainly wasn’t the last. In 2021, there were 39,508 fatal collisions in the US.
Drivers weren’t always required to take a class before they were permitted behind the wheel, but eventually, driver education courses began becoming mandatory for high schoolers who wanted to drive. School districts in Pennsylvania and Michigan started to offer driver education courses at the end of the 1920s. More school districts in more states followed suit, which inspired Professor Amos Neyhart of Penn State to develop the first standardized driver education curriculum in 1934. This was necessary because the requirements were super inconsistent in courses until then.
By the mid-30s, the American Automobile Association (AAA) started offering courses to high school students and advocating for its inclusion in public school curriculums. When the 1950s rolled around, many public high schools in the US were offering driving courses as part of the curriculum. These classes usually focused on traffic laws, safe driving techniques, and vehicle maintenance tips.
Of course, there’s more to driving than laws and techniques. Driving curriculum in the 1960s started including more of the psychological components of driving, like fatigue, elevated emotions, and substance impairment. This was a huge development that compelled schools to emphasize a responsible driving attitude.
By the end of the century, many public schools had cut their driver education programs, instead partnering with private driving schools. One benefit of this was the emergence of online driver education courses. Online courses offer a flexible and accessible alternative to traditional classroom instruction, allowing students to access materials from the comfort of their homes. Some online courses, like those offered by Safe2Drive, include videos and games to help keep students engaged and promote enhanced learning outcomes.
Online driver education has made learning to drive easier and more convenient in a few ways. It caters to the different ways people learn. Students can learn at their own speed and go back over tricky topics as many times as they need. Additionally, online classes are often more accessible. Adults don’t need to drive students to a classroom when they’re taking an online driver education course.
Looking to the future, it’s likely we’ll start to see more advanced technologies in the realm of online education, including in driver’s education courses. By embracing innovation while preserving the core principles of road safety and practical driving skills, driver’s education will continue to play a vital role in shaping safe and defensive drivers for generations.
Interested in learning more about traffic safety?
Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?
Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.