Helping the Community

I will never forget the experience of learning how to drive. The feeling of when your feet first hit the pedal and the motor starts to roar. It was not only exhilarating, but freeing. I finally felt like an adult, able to take myself and my life wherever I wanted. However, I soon learned that with learning how to drive also came with great responsibility for myself, the passengers in my car, and the other drivers on the road. Although driving can seem like such a mundane, everyday activity, the significance of driver education cannot be overlooked. The importance of learning the rules of driving and safe driving practices keeps our entire community safe and can save countless lives.

As I first started driving, something that those who offered to help me was the importance of defensive driving. Being on the “defense” while driving can help save a life. While learning the rules of the road, I learned how to protect myself and others. Without getting a proper driving education, I would not have possessed the skills to be a defensive driver. Being from Atlanta and driving in a big city, the experience I have had is unmatched. I feel I could drive anywhere now and be able to stay safe. My driver’s education course that I took before I got my license was contributed immensely to the driver I am today. I learned the technical rules of driving and got first hand experience of how to operate a vehicle. It also made me aware of the different dangers of the road. Learning how to drive in different weather conditions made me prepared for the ever changing weather in Atlanta and Athens.

There are multiple steps that I think could be taken to reduce driving deaths. First, stricter laws need to be in place in regard to texting and driving. Although it is illegal, I have found that many of my peers and people I am in cars with continue to engage in texting and driving despite the sometimes-fatal implications. Creating stricter laws will encourage people to follow them. Drivers will become more aware of their surroundings and protect other drivers and pedestrians in the process. Another step that can be taken is to reduce drinking and driving. New drivers should always be properly educated on the importance of not operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Obeying speed limits is also an important step that can reduce fatalities. Learning how to adjust your speed based off of the conditions of the road is also something that can make roads safer for everyone. I also believe it is important for drivers to set a good example for other drivers. I preach to my family and friends to refrain from texting and driving as well as drinking and driving. By encouraging each other to obey the rules of the road, we can help make a safer community.

Within my first two years of driving, I was involved in a small car accident. While nobody was hurt, it taught me so much about being an alert driver and dealing with car insurance and police procedures. I was driving on a street in my neighborhood when another driver ran a yield sign and hit the back left side of my car. We exchanged insurance and phone numbers, and eventually everything got sorted out. I am lucky to say that is the only car accident I have ever been involved in and hope it will remain that way. I am thankful that I have now gone through this experience. It made me a better driver and taught me not to take anything for granted. Living in such a big city, I have seen my fair share of accidents. I vividly remember driving on the highway and seeing a car that was on fire. It was extremely scary to see, but I was glad that everyone who was in the car had gotten out safely without any injuries from the fiery blaze. Car accidents can be extremely traumatic events and remind you of how important it is to practice safe driving.

The foundation of traffic safety is driver education, which provides people with the information and abilities they need to drive responsibly and safely. It is impossible to exaggerate how important driver education is in lowering the number of fatalities brought on by vehicle accidents. Road safety can also be improved by taking additional steps like stricter license requirements, infrastructural upgrades, technological developments, and public awareness campaigns. Personal encounters with auto accidents or reckless driving highlight how urgent these initiatives are.