The Importance of Driving Responsibly in America

The importance of driver’s education has been in decline. Unfortunately, this has taken a toll on America. The amount of car crashes and alcohol related incidents have increased over the years, which is related to the decline of driver’s education. In this essay you will discover how this has happened, and why.

Driver’s education teaches older and younger drivers the importance of state driving laws, and how to operate a motor vehicle. This is important because it reduces the number of accidents and misconceptions on the road. According to a study, “A new study that followed more than 150,000 teen drivers over eight years has found that driver’s education significantly reduces crashes and traffic violations among new drivers.” This shows that a proper education in driving can reduce the number of accidents on the road. It can reinforce and make inexperienced drivers confident, rather than learning from a close family member or friend. This will not instill the same confidence level as a proper education would.

Over the past ten years, statistics show that the number of drivers involved in car crashes will increase substantially. This is due to unsafe driving conditions and habits such as speeding and swerving, which are aggressive driving tactics. As the roads become more congested, we have less space on the roads, increasing the chance of an accident happening due to these behaviors. Proper driving education would decrease the need to display these, as the dangers and consequences of their actions are properly conveyed.

To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, a proper education should be required. As stated previously, a proper education could decrease the number of accidents on the road dramatically. Another step that could be taken to reduce the number of deaths and accidents on our roads and highways is to make the penalty for drinking and driving, as well as texting and driving, more severe. This could mean anything from larger fines to having their driver’s license suspended.

I understand that driver’s education is not accessible to all, but this could be solved easily. This includes disabled individuals, as well as low-income families. Families also may not have the time to travel to the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles), which introduces another challenge for families to have to deal with. A government program could be instilled, making it easier and cheaper for everyone to get an education in driving. As for travel, High schools could install a driving program to create jobs for the community, as well as make it easier for families to allow their children to go to driving school and pass their test.

Fortunately, I have never been in a car accident, but I have been into a near accident due to my friend’s unsafe driving. She speeds, swerves, and cuts people off. I have explained to her many times that she is putting us in danger, and that her driving techniques are making other people nervous. I have been afraid many times that she was going to get pulled over or worse, but there was nothing I could do. I did not have the money or friends for any other rides, and I needed to get to my job interview. I remember her speeding twenty over the speed limit on the highway, only to slow down when she saw an interstate police officer. After passing him, she would speed away again making my anxiety rise once more.

I have since then gotten a car, making sure and promising myself to always practice safe driving techniques. I have made sure to finish my certification in driving school, allowing me to drive safely on the road and understand all driving laws. I make sure to pay attention and I do not text and drive. I do not drink and drive, as it could put my life and others’ lives in danger. I make sure to follow my local driving laws as well. I practice safe driving behaviors, such as driving under the speed limit, and abiding by all street signs.

To help others drive safely, I plan to influence my friends and family to abide by the law. I have posted essays online and on social media influencing others to be safe on the road, and to be respectful of others. I influence them to wear their seatbelts, and not to text and drive. I encourage hands-free calling systems in cars, and to not speed. By doing all of this, I can influence change in others’ driving habits, and make the road safer for others at the end of the day. Driving in America could be safer and less anxiety inducing if we all worked together to make the road a safer place.