Educated Drivers Are Safe Drivers

My vision was blurry enough that the road I once knew to be black and white was now gray. My passengers squealed in terror as I came dangerously close to the other side of the road. Luckily, I wasn’t under the influence, and was just participating in an advanced driver course that allowed teens to safely experience driving under the influence via drunk goggles. After experiencing that firsthand, I vowed to never get behind the wheel under any sort of influence.

Unfortunately, not everyone can experience this danger in a simulated environment like I was able to, and are therefore ignorant of the responsibilities that come with driving. Tragically, this summer, a girl my age at a nearby school died at the hands of a teen under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Since then, I have wondered how things would be different if everyone had experienced BRAKES driving school as I did. Similarly, I also wonder what the roads would be like if every driver engaged in driver’s education before getting behind the wheel.

In a perfect world, drivers know and obey the rules of the road. If everyone followed every last rule of the road to the greatest extent, I am positive that there would be very few accidents. However, the issue comes when drivers are either ignorant of the road, drive distracted, or a combination of both factors.

Driver’s education is a great initiative to ensure that young drivers know and understand the rules of the road. Driver’s education programs vary from state to state but generally prove to be successful. A study conducted in 2015 by the University of Nebraska found that young drivers who did not complete driver’s education were 75% more likely to receive a traffic ticket, 24% more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident, and 16% more likely to have an accident. Driver’s education prepares drivers for the road and reduces the possibility of accidents that could harm oneself or others.

There are many ways to ensure yourself and others’ safety while behind the wheel. One of these ways is to never get behind the wheel under the influence. Similarly, never drive distracted- avoid eating, drinking, checking your phone, or any other activity that may sway your attention from the road. Always wear your seatbelt and pull over if you are drowsy. In addition to following the rules yourself, be an advocate for safe driving by speaking up if you feel unsafe as a passenger in a vehicle.

Driving is one of the most dangerous activities that humans engage in daily, so it is extremely important to ensure it is done in the safest way possible. Driver’s education should be taken very seriously before new drivers are given their license. Once granted a license, all drivers should practice safe driving habits that promote the safety and wellbeing of all people.