Behind the Wheel- Not Your Typical Classroom

Behind the Wheel- Not Your Typical Classroom

Drivers ed is one of the most important factors in road safety.
With a proper education and lots of practice, drivers can find
themselves prepared for nearly anything they may face on the road. Of
course, unexpected events can always happen, but with enough
practice, the events can be properly handled so we avoid more deaths
and injuries. According to a study performed by the University of
Nebraska, “Young drivers who have not completed drivers ed
are… 24 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury
accident” (Reed 1). Providing a thorough driving education makes
the roads safer and reduces the number of deaths due to preventable
automotive accidents.

An education is a very important step in preventing driving related
deaths, however, there are other critical steps that should be taken.
Limiting distractions while driving is key. Texting, talking on the
phone, or even eating while driving can be detrimental to focus. When
you become less focused, you may not realize when you are in danger
of having an accident. Likewise, lack of sleep or over-stressing can
contribute to road distractions. It is important to watch over your
health: always try to get 8 hours of sleep, and take a break when
things get overly stressful. If you need to get somewhere in a
stressful situation, consider asking someone else to drive you.
Always aim to be early to places, so the pressure not to be late does
not affect your driving. Furthermore, it is always better to be late
than in a car accident. Even if no one is hurt in an accident, the
delay is likely to make you tardy.

I understand the importance of driver safety because I have felt how
difficult it can be to be a good driver. When I first learned to
drive, I was terrified! I hadn’t realized how many things you need
to pay attention to, so the pressure of it overwhelmed me. It still
scares me whenever I make a mistake on the road. I have seen my
friends drive irresponsibly before, so I do my best to be more
careful when I drive, but mistakes can always happen. This is why it
is so important for me to keep improving my driving and take
preventative measures to avoid an accident. I am constantly
practicing my defensive driving skills. I review laws with my family
and friends, recognize and avoid dangerous driving practices, and
always keep my phone away from me when driving. I am helping others
drive better by setting a good example on the road and discussing
proper driving practices when I talk with my friends and family.

Driving can be a very dangerous activity, but if we each work to
better ourselves and share safe driving practices, we can reduce the
risk.

Reed, Leslie. “Study: Drivers Ed Significantly Reduces Teen
Crashes, Tickets.” Study: Drivers Ed Significantly Reduces Teen
Crashes, Tickets | News Releases | University of Nebraska-Lincoln,
Newsroom, 13 Aug. 2015, 2:02 AM,
newsroom.unl.edu/releases/2015/08/13/Study:+Driver%27s+ed+significantly+reduces+teen+crashes,+tickets.