Driver’s Education is Essential to Preventing Incidents

Death is always best avoided, and death due to traffic accidents should be decreased because so many Americans are on the road everyday, susceptible to these dangers. Reducing that number can help the overall population surpass another careless death reason, and education is the way to achieve that. The minimum age for an American driver to receive their license is 16, and the law has already required that they take a Driver’s Education course, take the written exam, and then they can take the actual driving exam for their license. Government measures take into account the risk of 16 year olds on the road, and have prescribed them an education to reduce that risk. As a result, a study done on 150,000 teen drivers over eight years from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln found that teens who took a Driver’s Ed course had a significant chance of not being involved in an automobile accident. Education in prevention of deaths relating to car accidents is indeed important in reducing the death count in this area.

First, educate drivers on the importance of being focused on the task of driving. Put away all distractions, including cell phones, and make sure that medicinal drugs are not taken right before driving, and make sure you sleep adequately to make decisions in driving. Passengers must also show respect for the driver and keep quiet in moments when sound is important as a sensory signal to the driver. Also, making sure that the driver knows how to control their anger and being patient in their driving is an important skill to be part of the community on the road. These are all things that one can learn in a Driver’s Ed course, but there are loopholes in the California system. People who turn 18 years old can take the driving test directly and do not have to go through the ‘trouble’ of educating themselves. Therefore, some accidents may still be happening due to a lack of education in how to drive properly to prevent death.

I have experienced being in minor car accidents before. Back when my family still resided in China, my mom was driving me back from class. It was at night, and also pouring down really hard. These were not ideal conditions to drive, and at the crossing of an intersection, a car sped into our rear and crashed our car. I remember being scared and powerless as my mom went out to have a talk with the other individual. Both of them were heated at this inconvenience that prevented them from heading home after a long, hard day of work. The bright flashing lights of the police soon came, and their sirens echoed through the streets that are now immobile at the obstacle the crash became. I forgot how it was resolved, but the dark night that enveloped the car and the loud sound of rain then seemed to close the space around me. I never want to be in that situation again. However, after a few years living in America, another car has bumped into our rear yet again. This time, my dad, mom, and sister were present in the car when it happened. We were picking up my sister from elementary school, waiting to turn right at an intersection when the minor crash happened. The car had inched forward too vigorously, the impatience of the driver evident in their actions. The driver was my sister’s teacher. Police were called, as protocol, and the issue was resolved without any further issues. I still think that these accidents would have been prevented with further education.

The steps that I can take to be a better and safer driver is to be alert while driving, and remember that there is always a risk of danger if I lose focus. Remembering my Driver’s Ed is the most important, and reminding others of what I’ve learned will help them become safer on the road. This will foster a culture of responsible driving that requires continuous efforts to address not only the technical aspects but also the psychological and emotional aspects of being behind the wheel. Emphasizing the importance of mental well-being and stress management in driver education can contribute to a more harmonious driving environment. Encouraging mindfulness on the road, teaching drivers to remain calm in challenging situations, and promoting empathy towards fellow drivers are essential components of a holistic approach to road safety education. Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog, can significantly affect visibility and road traction. Paying attention to modules in the Driver’s Ed course that specifically address safe driving practices in adverse weather conditions is imperative, and raising awareness in this aspect will save lives by lessening the panic that could happen in the moment of these unfavorable conditions.