I have thought for many years that we need to make driving a part of both middle and highschool. Not merely the principles of motor vehicle operation, but the humanities aspect too.
For example, psychology, basic physics and sociology would be integral to the curriculum. It is important to view transportation as closely as possible for what it is. As conscientious driver, I do my best to be courteous and safe, for both selfish and altruistic reasons. I try to apply my understanding of traffic dynamics every time frustration is detected. It is impossible for me to drive without observing stupidity, inefficiencies and systemic flaws. Realizing that I am part of it and not an exception, I try to view others (drivers, bystanders, pedestrians, cyclists etc) with equal or greater importance to myself. I do not tailgate, unless it is a collective circumstance, eg slow high-density traffic. I heed speed limits, general laws, and remain cognizant of signs. I expect unexpected behavior and try to not react beyond necessary correction.
And I piss off a lot of drivers. Traveling the speed limit in the right lane in low density traffic, I will be tailgated or worse. Yet, while mostly driving well within legal parameters, I make good time and often end up ahead of erratic impatient drivers.
I believe that most collisions can be avoided through rational driving practices. But many are never exposed to the concept. A mere pulse is sufficient to receive a driver's license.
Traffic enforcement also seems to be more revenue than safety driven and lacks consistency, eg ephemeral speed traps.
An essay or book could be easily written on this subject. As such an integral, ubiquitous part of society, it is amazing that such minimal attention is placed upon it. The fact that so many lives are at stake seems enough to make a religion of it. We really should do much more, without sloughing responsibility onto technology and the lottery of enforcement. For me it is one of the most outrageously glaring contradictions of expressed values there is, with carnage universally and quietly accepted as collateral damage.