The Importance of Driver Education

I’ll be honest, I didn’t always take safe driving seriously, not that I was a reckless driver, but I didn’t hesitate to text a friend back quickly while behind the wheel or disregard speed limit signs if I felt they were too slow for my liking. This all changed on October 4th, 2021- the moment I found out that the highway doesn’t care.

One of my biggest fears used to be getting in a car accident, let alone getting into an accident with a semi truck, this fear came true for me on October 4th, 2021. On this seemingly ordinary day, I was driving down a two-way highway after visiting my family for the weekend. There was a semi truck in front of me, and I thought I was able to pass it. As I attempted to pass, there was a car heading straight toward me. I tried to pull over onto the side of the gravel to avoid a head-on collision, but the gravel overtook my small Toyota Prius, slamming me into the side of the large semi truck. I bounced off the truck, and my car veered over a ditch and into a field. My life flashed before my eyes, and I never viewed driving the same way again. I am incredibly grateful to have only walked away from this accident with only a bruise, but it has left an indelible scar in my mind.

This experience made me realize the critical importance of driver education in reducing traffic deaths. When we are educated on how to be safe drivers, we notice risks and make better decisions which can save our own lives as well as others’. Safe driving isn’t just about following the law; it’s about recognizing potential hazards and acting to avoid them. Different steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths in result of driving are, turning off notifications on your phone to avoid distracted driving, follow speed limit signs as they are in place for a reason, always check twice or even better, three times, never forget your seatbelt, and never drive while you are under the influence. These are all small steps that can make a huge difference in our lives.

Personally, the steps that I can take to become a safe driver includes being mindful of my actions as well as encouraging others to do the same. For instance, I will never again look at my phone while driving, I will always wear my seatbelt, and I will never question traffic laws but instead, follow them. In addition, I aim to advocate for safe driving no matter where I am. I don’t hesitate to remind others to put their phone down, buckle up, or slow down. It is my goal to be a second pair of eyes when someone else is driving and I don’t care if I get called a “back seat driver”. It is my responsibility to foster a culture of safety on the road and I will always try to lead by example.

The impact of my accident extends far beyond the physical bruises or whiplash I sustained. It extends beyond the memory that replays in my mind each time I’m on the road. I now have a newfound appreciation for life, and it breaks my heart that not everyone gets that chance. In fact, many people don’t survive car accidents but we have the power to change this truth.

The next time you find yourself behind the wheel or in the passenger seat with someone else driving, think about what you can do to make this a safe ride. Whether it’s putting your phone away, reminding your friend to buckle up, or putting your full attention onto the road, your actions can make a life-changing difference. The highway may not care about your safety, but the people in your life certainly do.

In conclusion, the importance of driver education cannot be over exaggerated. It is essential in reducing the number of deaths caused by driving, as it teaches individuals how to be responsible, aware, and safe on the road. From following simple rules like obeying speed limits to the more complex practice of recognizing and reacting to potential hazards, driver education empowers us to make the roads safer for ourselves and others. Whether we want to believe it or not- we don’t get countless chances in this life and it is up to us to drive safely, advocate for others, and encourage a culture of road safety.