Driver Education is more a step to get a License- it is a means to Stay Safe on the Road.

Driving is something I longed for, but dreaded too. I spent years dreaming about the independence it brought, but worried about learning how to drive. Drivers Ed in 10th grade helped reassure me that I could be safe and independent, while instilling a sense of responsibility. Every time we get behind the wheel, we are making decisions that could impact not only our lives but also the lives of everyone on the road. Through proper training, we learn to anticipate dangers, stay focused, and make choices that can save lives.

My behind-the-wheel instructor was instrumental in helping me become a confident and cautious driver. She emphasized the importance of anticipating the worst-case scenarios and staying focused on the task at hand. One of her favorite teaching strategies was to quiz me on the details of my surroundings. For instance, she would randomly ask me the color of the car behind me or if I noticed the pedestrian on the side of the road. These exercises trained me to stay alert and aware at all times, even when things seemed calm. She taught me to understand that the road can change in an instant, and being prepared is key to avoiding accidents.

Driver education also teaches us the importance of not getting distracted. We often hear about how dangerous it is to text and drive, but seeing it happen in real life drives the message home. Although I have not been in a car accident, I have been in situations where the driver became distracted by their phone. Even just hearing the ding of a text message notification can make a driver lose focus for a critical moment. Through driver education, I learned to silence my phone and keep it out of reach while driving. I keep my phone in my glove compartment when I’m driving. No message is worth the risk of an accident.

Beyond the training I received from my instructor, I also learned several practical steps to reduce the risk of accidents. These steps may seem simple, but they are lifesaving. For example, wearing a seat belt should always be non-negotiable. Driving at a safe speed is equally important. It can be tempting to go fast, especially when you’re in a hurry, but speeding reduces your reaction time and makes it harder to control the car. Another important lesson is to avoid driving late at night or when you’re tired. Fatigue can impair your ability to focus and react just as much as alcohol can. And speaking of alcohol, under no circumstances should teens—or anyone—drive under the influence. This is one of the most preventable causes of fatal accidents, yet it continues to claim lives every day.

As young drivers, we have a responsibility to ourselves, our passengers, and everyone else on the road to drive safely. But we also have a role to play in encouraging others to do the same. For example, my first friend to get a license is also my most distractible and chatty friend. WheneverI notice her or any driver getting distracted, I feel it’s my duty to speak up. It can be uncomfortable to call someone out, but it’s far better than risking an accident.

Becoming a safer driver is an ongoing process. It’s not just about passing a driving test or memorizing the rules of the road—it’s about adopting habits that make safety a priority every time you get behind the wheel. It also means being open to feedback from more experienced drivers, such as my parents or my driving instructor, and constantly looking for ways to improve. My parents reinforced that with practice and experience I can be a safer driver, but you can never trust others on the road so your guard must always stay high.

In conclusion, driver education is essential in reducing the number of deaths caused by car accidents. It equips young drivers with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the roads safely and responsibly. By following the lessons we learn in driver education—like wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions, and never driving under the influence—we can protect ourselves and others from harm. We also need to hold ourselves and our peers accountable, promoting safe driving habits in our communities. As a high school senior, I’m grateful for the training I’ve received and committed to making safety my top priority behind the wheel.