Driver Education Equals Safer Roadways

The number of deaths due to driving accidents is always perceived differently by everyone, it can be seen as very little in comparison to other numbers, but many also see it as too many. I see it as a number that should be ever decreasing, but it is in fact, doing the opposite. The main focus should be on what can be done to prevent the number of deaths from rising and how we as drivers can make the roads as safe as possible for ourselves and others.

There are several things that I can think of that can be done to reduce the number of driving related deaths. The most important step would be driver education. This is a very big factor in reducing the number of deaths. Many people forget the education they receive after they take a driving class. Driver education during high school could play a huge role in decreasing this number, as younger drivers make up about a third of the driving deaths per year. Because of this, driver education should be valued a lot more. It should be of big importance, maybe even requiring high school students to take yearly or bi-yearly refresher classes. These refresher courses in driver education knowledge, for example, could be a reminder for people to not text and drive or to make sure to not go above the posted speed limit. In reality, the importance of driver education is top notch, being refreshed on your driving knowledge can save your life along with someone else’s.

Another helpful step that could be taken to reduce the number of deaths is having a passenger in your car most of the time to help you practice proper road etiquette. This could help the driver realize what they are doing wrong and help them make corrections to their actions. Younger teens could practice driving around in large parking lots, practicing their turns and getting used to the type of things they would encounter or have to do while driving on a main road. I also think that road tests, either a driving test or written test, should have to be passed every time you are set to renew your license. This aspect will help with the older drivers. I have noticed that now a days everyone is in such a rush to get where they are going. If drivers would simply allow themselves some extra time to get where they need to be, they wouldn’t be in such a hurry and would be less likely to make quick decisions.

In relation to me, I have never been in a car accident, although I have had an “accident” of sorts. It was a rainy day and I tried making a sharp turn going at a reasonable speed on a very wet road, but the slippery road made me slide onto the other side, putting me right in the path of an 18-wheeler. I was able to make a recovery and get back to my side of the road and luckily no one was with me and I wasn’t harmed. I have had two of my family members involved in a scary accident about a month ago. My mom was driving by our local elementary school to take my sister to the middle school and a car pulled out to turn and hit her. My mom was not driving irresponsibly, but the other driver was. They were in such a hurry that they pulled out right in front of her. No one was hurt, but my mom had to have her car towed and she had to go without it for two weeks until it could be fixed.

There are many steps that I can take to help me be a better and safer driver. Checking my phone while I’m driving is a huge distraction. I could place it on “driving mode” so that it will automatically go to voicemail or let others know that I am driving. I need to be sure to keep my speed in check and not to go above or below the speed limit. People sometimes overlook that going under the speed limit could cause just as much harm as going above the speed limit. I don’t need to fidget with the radio and be sure to stay focused on my driving instead of what song is playing. I need to be aware of other drivers. My mom always tells me that just because I am looking out for them doesn’t mean that they’re looking out for you. As a passenger, I could help other people be safe on the road by making sure they obey the laws of the road. Being alert and focused should be the main goal when you’re driving which will in turn make our roads safer for everyone.