Importance of Driver’s Education

Driver education is essential to reducing the number of deaths from driving. Safe driving not only prevents crashes, but it also saves lives. In 2012, the total deaths from U.S Highway Fatalities was between 30,000-40,000. Furthermore, in 2021 there were 31,720 deaths from crashes between January to September alone. To widen the perspective, the Vietnam War resulted in 47,424 casualties and World War I had 53,402 casualties. Deaths from driving are almost as high as the casualties from the first World War, so it is critical for our society to learn how to drive safely.

Although it appears out of hand, there are numerous steps we can take to reduce this number. Obeying traffic laws, avoiding distractions, staying away from illegal substances/alcohol, and wearing your seat belt are all accessible ways to make a contribution in protecting the community. Taking a driver’s education course is also a great way to learn all the laws of the road and how to handle crash situations. We need to take action to lower this statistic. Countless lives have been taken, and if we educate ourselves and learn to drive safer, we can eradicate this statistic.

Personally, I have experienced being in a car accident in the beginning of March 2022. I was at fault, but there were no injuries or casualties. The accident was caused because I was at a stop sign to go straight, but the road only had two stop signs on the side roads. I looked both ways, but I somehow didn’t see the car speeding from the right. If I had looked once more as instructed in drivers’ education, I could have prevented the accident entirely. In drivers’ education, I was taught to look both ways twice before proceeding. I didn’t follow what they said, and if I did then the accident wouldn’t have occurred. Driver’s education saves lives and is a great way to become a safer driver. I have also seen my oldest sister driving recklessly, and it was terrifying. Not only was I in the car with her, but my mother as well. She would exceed speeds of at least 90 miles per hour, and was passing multiple vehicles. My mother instructed her very sternly to pull over and allow me to drive, and my sister refused at first. However, we were persistent and were successful. If I had not taken the wheel when I did, then we could have gotten in a severe accident that would definitely result in numerous casualties. This is why it is very important to guide others in the right direction and take initiative.

To further become a better driver, always pay your full attention to the road. Do not assume what other drivers will do, and only drive well-rested. Keeping your speed down and thinking of safety first can make a big difference. However, being safer on the road doesn’t only depend on you, so it is important to help others become safer on the road. Help others by suggesting a driving course, and by not distracting the driver when you are in the passenger seat. Making sure the driver’s full attention is to the road is of utmost importance. It is imperative that you do not drive drowsy. It is your responsibility to drive consciously. This allows you to be aware on the road. 9.5% of car crashes are caused by drivers being drowsy. This can occur from driving home after work, after a party, or simply a loss of a meal. Each year, drowsy driving accounts for about 100,000 crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,550 fatalities. This can especially be a big mistake for new drivers. Being an effective driver means always staying aware of your surroundings. Despite this skill, it is not always your fault when a crash is caused. Being aware means paying attention to the mannerisms of other cars on the road. Some drivers drive intoxicated or drunk. Always pay close attention to those around you. Awareness is an enormous principle when it comes to driving.

Many loved ones have had their lives stolen from them, even when they were driving safely. If everyone is educated on being a safe driver, then less families will have to be torn apart. Reach out to a local DMV to enroll in classes and do your part in helping our community. Taking part in educating yourself is a simple way to contribute to society and be a valuable citizen.