Driver’s Safety in Wisconsin

• What
  is the importance of drivers ed in reducing the number deaths
  as a result of driving?

• What
  steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to
  driving?

• What
  steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help
  others become safer on the road?

• Have
  you ever had an experience of being in car accident or have seen
  your friends or family members driving irresponsibly?

In
a study conducted by the Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln, researchers found that driver’s
education significantly impacts teen car accidents and fatalities.
This excerpt from the study states, “Young drivers who have not
completed drivers ed are 75 percent more likely to get a
traffic ticket, 24 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal or
injury accident and 16 percent more likely to have an accident, the
study showed.” That being said, the statistics show that people
who take drivers ed are much safer drivers.

There
are many steps we can take to reduce the number of deaths related to
driving.
In Wisconsin, where I live, there are two major issues that cause
many accidents and deaths: driving while intoxicated, and icy roads.
According to wisconsindot.gov, there were 24,000 drunk driving
convictions in 2015, 2,900 injuries, and 190 deaths due to alcohol
related accidents. There
are many steps that can be taken to reduce these statistics. We can
require drivers ed for everyone, even if they are over the
age of 18. Drivers ed provides extensive teaching on why
you should not drink and drive, and what you can do to prevent
accidents.

In
Wisconsin, there is also a big problem with icy road conditions in
the winter. I know many individuals whose roads rarely or never get
plowed. This leads to many accidents and deaths. It’s important
that keeping roads plowed and salted is a priority.

There
are many steps I take in my personal life to be safe on the roads. I
have taken drivers ed, and I encourage all my friends and
family to take it as well, even if they are over the age of 18. I
also support and would take recurring drivers ed training
myself.

I
encourage my friends not to drink and drive, and if they’re going
to drink, to bring a designated driver. I work in Kwik Trip, and one
of our responsibilities is to make sure that people buying alcohol
are not going to drive home intoxicated. It’s important to monitor
who is buying alcohol and if they’ll be drinking responsibly.

Another step I take for my safety
and that of others is monitoring weather conditions and cancelling
plans when the weather is dangerous. Sometimes the best way to be
safe on the roads is to not go out at all.

I
haven’t been in a car accident, but I have been profoundly impacted
by one.

On December 31^st,
2018 my friend, Noah lost his life in an accident. Noah was a great
driver, had taken drivers ed, and wasn’t doing anything
wrong. The road he was on was icy, and the car slid out into a tree.
He died on impact at 18 years old, leaving his family, girlfriend,
and friends behind. This is why it is so important that we continue
doing everything we can to make driving as safe as possible.