Let’s Put the Key in Ignition for Accident Prevention

The date was June 12^th, 2021. I was a sophomore, sitting in geometry as I overheard the talk of my classmates. “He’s in the hospital right now.” “Yeah, it happened this morning.” “It wouldn’t have happened if he wasn’t on his phone.” “It was in a school zone, too.” However unlikely, the star football player of our grade, who just recently got his license, rear-ended a bus on the way to school.

Looking back on this situation, many of my classmates were apt to laugh at the stupidity of the boy. He was back at school the next week, now driving his mother’s van, unphased of the real danger he could have caused. He fell into the stereotype of teenagers who were too cocky, too careless, and too quick to drive before they were prepared. Many teens rush to get their license as soon as they can because they crave the perceived maturity that comes with it. Although growing up is appealing, it is vital that students are educated before they are left to conquer the world on their own. Considering many students don’t have adults who can teach them to become safe drivers, the need for driver’s education in schools has become critical.

Although it can seem “uncool” or “embarrassing” to stand up for things that are not right, self-advocacy is a necessary skill to learn. A major flaw in my school was the fact that driver’s education was not offered to freshmen and sophomores- the students who were actively learning to drive. Many accidents occurred with students who had not yet taken the class. I knew that if this rule were to be changed, numerous accidents could be prevented. I voiced my concerns to my driver’s education teacher, who then adjusted the rule, allowing students of any grade, with their permit, to take the class. This change, although small, created a safer environment at school and in the community.

Distracted driving is another thing that many teenagers are guilty of. Whether it be putting on makeup, adjusting the radio, or having a conversation on the phone, any type of distraction hinders a person’s attention to the road. Driving under the influence, also known as DUI, is another example of something that obstructs a driver’s ability to make rational and safe decisions. These things may not seem serious to some teens, but they create a dangerous environment not only for others on the road, but for innocent pedestrians. An accident that someone was to get in while distracted would be their fault. They would consequently be responsible for the liability and cost exceeding insurance, which can take a serious toll on their family’s budget. Driver’s education teaches the severity of these things. Teens who otherwise would not know better are aware of the detrimental consequences these decisions have. Those who are witnesses are able to advocate for their own safety by standing up to those who are careless.

Driving is a privilege that many people take for granted. The sheer cost of driving is something some people are fortunate enough to overlook, but it still impacts their families. Adding a teenager to an insurance plan can average $200-$400 monthly, depending on the state. Car maintenance and repairs, along with the price of gas, adds up to an intimidating total. Many people I know do not drive because they would be unable to afford a car along with its expenses. An accident, or even something as small as a ticket, can significantly raise the monthly price of insurance further. It is vital to always be aware of your surroundings, cautious of other people, and to stay alert to prevent these misfortunes as best as possible. I follow these steps when I drive and advise my friends and classmates to do the same. It is necessary to remember that the ability to drive as a teen is a privilege that many do not experience, and therefore should be done responsibly.

Driver’s education creates safer, competent drivers who can better handle dangerous situations on the road. Statistics prove that students who take driver’s education in school are 24% less likely to get into an accident with an injury or fatality. Although this may not seem like a substantial number, this translates to tens of thousands of lives saved each year. While some people think that driver’s education is unnecessary compared to other subjects, I would like to ask how geometry class could have prevented the football player’s accident. Safety is never a waste of time.