Try to be a Better Driver

Driver’s education is essential to the overall safety on public transportation, increase in knowledge of proper driving etiquette and rules, and it leads to a larger number of safe drivers. I have been behind the wheel since I was 14, which was when my father took me to an empty parking lot and taught me how to properly check my mirrors and fix my seat. Even at a young age, I realized the importance of safe driving for my wellbeing and the safety of others on the road.

To reduce the number of deaths on the road, it is crucial to teach new drivers how to properly drive and follow the laws/rules regarding driving. Driving laws mean nothing if the people driving are not aware of them or do not follow them. Young drivers, especially, should prioritize taking their driving lessons seriously, with an aim to retain knowledge to put it to use when they actually begin to drive. When I was taking my driving classes, I found myself learning about what to do in situations I had never even thought about. Thinking about driving in critical ways and applying knowledge learned in driving courses is a step that should be taken to reduce the number of deaths while driving. Also, learning about the consequences of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol should be a main priority to reduce deaths on the road. Most fatalities on the road are a result of drunk or distracted driving. It’s necessary to learn the consequences and effects of irresponsible driving. By making sure new drivers know how fatal it can be to themselves and others, they can learn how to make responsible choices and decisions when it comes to driving.

Driving irresponsibly impacts everyone. My brother got a DUI in March 2022, and his life has not been the same since. When my sister-in-law called me saying that he was being held in the county jail, I though his life was over. Having that kind of criminal charge is not only a huge stain on your record, but it also poses a threat to your livelihood, as not many places of employment as willing to hire someone with that kind of offense. It impacts the way that society views you, and it reflects your sense of responsibility. I was not only worried about his health, but also about what people would think about him after finding out he is an irresponsible driver. Thankfully, he was okay physically, but his car was totaled and in shambles. Driving irresponsibly makes you more prone to accidents, which can cause irreparable damage to your vehicle, health, and finances. His DUI instilled a feeling of shame in not only him, but also our family. It made me want to be a more responsible driver and reinforced how important is to drive sober and safely. As a society, we always hear about incidents of unsafe drivers and the damage they can cause, but having a family member become a part of that demographic brings a whole new perspective to driving, and it makes you realize the importance of obtaining a proper driver education.

The steps I took to become a better driver is to be as aware of my surroundings as possible. To be a good driver is to be as safe as possible. I try to approach driving in a way that puts my safety first. Though I cannot control how the rest of the people on the streets drive, I recognize that I am in control when I am behind the wheel. Thinking critically while driving and making fast decisions is not something just acquired, but it is learned. Though it’s true that driving can be very dangerous in some situations, getting over fear and that feeling where you anticipate an accident is key to remaining as calm and rational as one can be while driving. A proper driver’s education truly helps you become a responsible driver. I learned so much in my driving course because having a teacher introduce skills to you in a digestible manner encourages you to gain confidence in controlling the wheel. Their lessons may seem self-explanatory, but they make up a larger puzzle piece: driving responsibly on your own.

New drivers everywhere should consider enrolling themselves in a driver’s education course, even if it’s not legally required for them to do so. It never hurts to further develop one’s driving skills, especially if it can reduce accidents, fatalities, and overall improve the safety of our transportation systems.