Name: Davien Dancy
From: Lawrenceville, New Jersey
Votes: 0
Roadblocks and Milestones: My Journey Towards Safe Driving
Being able to drive has been a passion of mine since I was a little boy, and was waiting to drive when I reached my high school years, but there have been a few roadblocks that prevented me from being able to drive. In my sophomore year, I had a driver’s education class and when it was time for the exam, I didn’t pass the test so I wasn’t able to receive my permit so I had to schedule an appointment at the DMV in Wayne, NJ to retake the exam. As I waited for my appointment date, I kept taking practice tests online so it can help me achieve and pass my upcoming exam. When the time came, I was a little nervous because I thought I wouldn’t pass this exam, but luckily I passed and received my learner’s permit which required me to have six months of supervised driving where I practiced driving in the neighborhood in East Orange, NJ where I’m currently residing. While practicing how to drive, I learned how to properly make left or right turns, look in the mirrors to make sure cars aren’t in your way when you make turns so you don’t hit or sideswiped them. I’m also starting to learn how to parallel park which is considered the hardest part to learn when learning how to drive as you must parallel park in two moves. For my first time parallel parking in a parking lot, I did very well as I didn’t hit the curb or cones as I used the cones as cars and you musn’t hit the cones or otherwise that means you hit the car and if that happens on your driving test, you will automatically fail and will have to retake the test. For my upcoming test in the beginning of August, I have faith that I will pass and be able to be a safe driver in order to help reduce the amount of crashes or deaths which can involve numerous people. Moving forward, driver education plays a crucial role in reducing the number of deaths caused by driving. It equips new drivers with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate roads safely. By understanding traffic laws, recognizing road signs, and learning defensive driving techniques, drivers are better prepared to handle unexpected situations. This education is essential, as it helps prevent accidents caused by inexperience or ignorance. To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, several steps can be taken, such as implementing stricter regulations for obtaining a driver’s license can ensure that only qualified individuals are allowed to drive, increasing public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, (texting or using a phone while driving, can encourage drivers to stay focused on the road), and enforcing stricter penalties for traffic violations, such as speeding or driving under the influence, can deter reckless behavior. As an individual, there are several steps you can take to become a better and safer driver. You must always obey traffic laws and road signs. This includes adhering to speed limits, stopping at red lights, and yielding to pedestrians. You must also avoid distractions while driving. Put your phone away, refrain from eating or drinking, and focus solely on driving. You should also practice defensive driving by anticipating the actions of other drivers and being prepared for sudden stops or lane changes. Regularly maintaining your vehicle, such as checking tire pressure and ensuring brakes are working correctly, can also prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures. Personally, I have no experience of being in a car accident as I stated above that I’m currently waiting on my upcoming driver’s test in the beginning of August. As for my family, a couple members were involved in car accidents, but luckily none of them were harmed and the accidents were caused by other drivers because they were driving recklessly by paying attention to what’s happening around them. In order to help others become safer on the road, you can lead by example, by encouraging your loved ones to follow traffic laws and avoid distractions. By fostering a culture of safety and responsibility, we can all contribute to reducing the number of driving-related deaths. In conclusion, driver education is important for reducing driving-related deaths by providing the necessary knowledge and skills.