“The Road to Safe Driving: The Importance of Driver Education”

Driver education is significant to reducing the number of deaths because of driving. As a licensed driver, going through the process was exceedingly long; but necessary. In this process, I had to attend driver education courses in person, and even though they were long sessions, I gained a lot of foundational knowledge to help me in the future. The Driver Education program helps develop safe driving habits like understanding road signs and rules, wearing seat belts, following traffic laws, properly filling gas tanks, and many other safe habits. For example, we are taught in driver education to use the 3-second rule. Meaning that a driver should have at least three seconds following distance from the car in front of them. The distance between the cars helps individuals have enough time to react to others’ mistakes and avoid accidents. Driver Education also helps reduce risky behavior among inexperienced drivers. In the courses we were shown videos about the risks of racing and significantly exceeding the speed limits. In aiming to reduce these behaviors before individuals even take the driving test, this helps reduce the chances of them participating in risky behavior when there are licensed drivers. Courses can also assist in the process of learning about vehicle maintenance, to prevent mechanical failures which could lead to unforeseen accidents. Finally, the Driver Education program can help build the confidence of new driver’s as they are entering the driver world with basic knowledge to help them in dangerous situations on the road.

I believe the first step to reducing the number of deaths related to driving, is enhancing Driver Education. I was lucky enough to be able to take the course in person, so I was able to actively participate, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the foundational knowledge provided. On the other hand, I have learned from acquaintances that they took the course online. There are both pros and cons to taking Driver Education. For example, individuals might not be able to get to an in-person course, so the online course provides equitability for everyone’s circumstances. On the other hand, like some of my acquaintances, individuals will take advantage of this option, and simply skip through the course work. Not utterly understanding the foundational principle of driving. Individuals feel as though they already know a lot about driving, so they will go through the course skimming and partially paying attention. This can lead to doubts and risky behavior when driving, which can unfortunately lead to accidents. Putting an emphasis on the importance of the Driver Education program will make individuals take the program more seriously, leading to a true understanding of the foundational skills of driving. Another step is for companies to incorporate electronic programs that help to prevent distracted driving. For example, Apple iPhones have a feature on the phone where, when it is detected that an individual is driving, the phone will go on “Driving” mode. In this mode, individuals do not receive text messages, phone calls, or any other kind of notification. This takes away the possibility for the individual to get distracted by a “ding.” Additionally, cars should be equipped with features where when an accident is detected, first responders are automatically detected. Things happen, even to the most “perfect” drivers, so having this feature will allow for individuals to still be able to contact first responders in a near-to-death accident. By implementing these steps, enforcing traffic laws, and promoting public awareness it is possible to reduce the number of deaths related to driving and create safer roads.

The 1st step I can take to be a better and safer driver is to make sure that the “Driving” mode feature is activated, so that when I drive, I do not get distracted by any notifications. Another step I can take is downloading driver educational apps, to constantly refresh my understanding of the foundational principles of driving like traffic laws, traffic signs, and rules. In refreshing these principles, I will make the effort to continue to follow traffic laws by obeying speed limits, using turn signals, stop signs, traffic lights, and other rules of the road. I will also make sure to be prepared for the unexpected actions of other drivers. In helping others, I can lead by example when individuals are in my car, and to those outside of the car, by practicing safe driving habits. I have never had an experience of being in a car accident, but I have witnessed my family members driving irresponsibly. Specifically, I have witnessed a family member text and drive on many occasions. During these occasions, I express the danger of their actions and volunteer to help them respond to the text messages they want to send. Through these steps, I will practice safe habits and encourage others to do the same, aiming to make the roads safer.