Drivers ed, Not Just Another Class

Drivers
Education, Not Just Another Class by Amanda Roff

To
many students, drivers ed may seem to just be another chore. It
may seem like another task to get past to be more independent.
However, drivers ed is more than just a means to reach an
end—although it does allow students to eventually receive their
license. Instead, drivers ed provides much needed guidance as
to the rules of the road. Drivers ed teaches rules drivers
should follow as well as the consequences if drivers do not make wise
decisions. It shows people who may be too young to realize the result
of their actions beforehand just how powerful one decision can be in
saving others’, as well as their own, lives.

To
reduce the number of deaths related to driving, students can not only
pay attention in drivers ed and absorb as much of the
information possible, but they can actually follow the rules laid
out; they are there for a reason. One big step drivers can take to
reduce driving deaths is follow the rule from drivers ed to be
a defensive driver. It is a good mindset for many situations and can
be a first step to reasoning whether an action should be carried out.
Will it be to intimidate or harm others, or to keep yourself and
others safe? If it keeps the most people safe and does not endanger
people, it is probably defensive driving and should be the choice
made in the scenario.

Although
I can say all I want about how to be a good driver, it is easier said
than done. Driving is not always easy. I understand that many
decisions must be made in a split second. Even though up to this
point I have not gotten into a car accident, I can see just how easy
it is to do so. It is easy to be irresponsible sometimes. For
instance, I have seen one of my family members turn around to talk to
others as well as look through CDs to play in the car all while being
in the driver’s seat. My relative was more focused on talking or
doing other things than driving, which could have led to serious
damage.

I
have also endangered my own life more than once while driving. Often,
it is because I overestimate the speed my car can go and pull in
front of other drivers when I should wait. Yet other times it is
because I decide to try to eat in the car or change the radio
station. I have to keep in mind, though, that things can wait. Maybe
I do not have to try to cut someone off in traffic just to get
somewhere ten seconds earlier. Maybe I do not have to change the
radio station or eat while I am driving. These things can wait until
a safer time when I do not have to take my eyes off the road and
potentially miss something important, like protecting others’, as
well as my own, lives.