Drivers Ed Online

On your 16th birthday, most people go straight to the BMV to get their license. They rush through the online drivers ed to schedule in cars so they can get their license on time. I, the guilty person I am, did not always pay attention to the online portion of drivers ed. I paid attention to what I thought was “important” and now I feel like I lack deeper knowledge of driving. The basic driving and traffic laws I know and understand, just not the deeper, more in depth laws.

The number of deaths in driving accidents in two years being more than the total number of soldiers dying in Vietnam is absurd. I believe that driver education could greatly reduce the number of deaths that involve driving because many accidents come from turning on a wrong light or wrongly pulling out at the wrong time. Driving is a very tedious, yet not difficult thing to do, that many people or young adults struggle to do safely. Reducing the number of deaths is a very important number that needs to be lower. If more people understood laws and regulations on the roads the number of deaths would be lower.

In reducing the number of deaths related to driving I believe there are many things that could be done. I think that a main thing that could be done is requiring a shorter drivers education program once adults reach the age of 45. Learning the driving laws and regulations at the age of 15.5, in Ohio, does not stick with you throughout your whole life. Our brains are not fully developed until well after the age of 16. Going to school everyday as well, teens are constantly learning new information, drivers ed doesn’t always stay “fresh” in our brains. I believe that driver’s education is something that is important to keep fresh in our brains, so requiring a course or a couple small lessons for adults at the age of 45 would be beneficial. Many drivers may complain about this new requirement but if adults are retaught and refreshed on driving laws then the number of traffic related accidents will be reduced.

Personally, I have been involved in one car accident. My mom and I were on an exit ramp off of a highway that was a very sharp turn. There was traffic so we were stopped. The car behind us had stopped as well but the car that was two cars behind us did not see the traffic. He rear ended the car behind us, which ran into us. We all then pulled over and waited for the cops to come, but as we were waiting the car that did not stop, drove off. It was a hit and run accident and the driver was never found or ticketed for his actions. I believe that if you are in an accident, even if you are in the wrong, owning up to what you did is the most important part. It will only hurt you if you try to hide what you did. In regards to seeing others drive irresponsibly, my dad and one of my best friends both exemplify what I consider driving irresponsibly. My dad does not like to use his turn signal no matter where he’s driving. My mom and I both get car sick, so when he drives we have to tell him to drive safe so we don’t get sick. He often goes above the speed limit and swerves between cars. I find myself holding onto the handle in the car or my arm rest. If I tell him to slow down or drive safer, he will listen to me. I don’t understand why he drives without a turn signal which makes it more dangerous for all drivers around him. My friend just recently got her license in April. She is a bit of a reckless driver and is banned from ever driving any of us anywhere. She is a speeder, late breaker, and a jammer. Her music is always blasting and she does not pay attention to her surroundings. Driving with her worries me as a passenger which is why I no longer drive with her.

For me personally, I believe everyone can always improve so I think there are many ways I could be a better and safer driver. I can be more aware of my surroundings and take more precautions when it is raining or snowing. I need to watch my speed more on the highways; I tend to go with traffic but end up going over the speed limit. Actions speak louder than words so I think if I work to become a better driver then my friends and family will follow my actions to be better drivers themselves. Driving is essential to everyone’s lives and it is important that we are safe, responsible, and accountable while driving for the safety of themselves and others around them.