It All Matters

Driver education is something that is extremely important and should not be taken lightly. Receiving your license is a privilege and should be treated with respect. Becoming a driver requires maturity, an understanding of the laws on the road and how your actions affect everyone else around you. It is important for everyone to undergo driver education so the rules are understood and are consistent for all.

As a new driver, like many of my peers, I was excited to get my license and explore my new found freedom. Many people think because we have been passengers for so long that we know the rules. That is not the case. Driver education is important because it explains the fundamentals that you will need to know. Important laws such as speed limits, signage, and more. More importantly, it teaches you to have respect for driving on the road and getting behind the wheel.

Having recently gone through driver education myself, I recall doing well on my written form, but feeling that my hands-on needed more practice. Because I had the opportunity to receive driver education, I was able to identify areas that needed improvement. I didn’t just go through the basic requirements and go on my way. Some drivers may be ready for the next step quicker than others, but if you are not, don’t rush the process it is okay. Remember to apply the knowledge you received, then proceed when ready.

Driver education helps reduce the number of deaths in many ways. It reviews important rules, provides a more extensive explanation of situations that may arise and teaches you useful tactics on how to be a safe driver.

Driver education is a great resource for understanding how to be a safe driver. By breaking down the road into segments, you are able to understand how it all comes together. Understanding these laws can help save lives. Something as simple as understanding signage that explains one way, deer crossing, icy roads, slippery pavement ahead, or winding roads can help prevent a tragic accident.

One of the most important lessons you will learn in driver education is learning about being impaired. While no one should ever drive while impaired, it explains how one might think they are not impaired when they really are. The fatalities caused by drunk driving, being otherwise impaired or distracted, continues to be one of the leading causes of deaths while on the road.

Steps that can be taken to help reduce the number deaths related to driving are never drive while impaired or let someone that is impaired drive. With today’s technology, we can easily make other driving arrangements. Maintain your vehicle up to date. Rotate your tires, keep them at the appropriate air levels, don’t speed, learn to change a tire safely and correctly, don’t drive in the left lane, use the left lane only to pass, and obey the speed limit! Our society as a whole and my generation especially, seem as if we are always in a rush. Plan your travel time accordingly, and take the time to be a careful driver. One reckless act can have serious consequences.

I am very fortunate to have never been in an accident, but have witnessed others driving irresponsibly. Never under the influence, but distracted. In a world where we are consistently over-stimulated, it is hard to sometimes acknowledge things around us that can unknowingly lead to distractions. Simple things like the music level, many people speaking in the vehicle or loudly, smoking, or distracted thinking instead of solely focusing on the road. Then there are other forms of distractions, such as not fully yielding or coming to a complete stop. Trying to go through a yellow light instead of slowing down and preparing to come to a stop, or eating while driving. There is nothing more important than your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Now that I have the knowledge of being a driver myself, I try to lead by example when I am the driver in a vehicle. Some basic practices: always use your seatbelt, turn your phone off or place it on do not disturb. Keep the radio at appropriate levels, obey the speed limit at all times, and never drink and drive or allow others around you to do so. If we all do our part and are mindful of the road and how our actions contribute to road safety we can help create good practices and pass those along. We all can help keep the roads safe for ourselves and our loved ones. We must all do our part.