As Simple as it Sounds, Keep Your Eyes on the Road.

The value of a human life is not something to be taken lightly since we are so impacted by the world around us. The slightest change could alter the trajectory of our lives. This is why driver’s education is so important. “Driver’s education helps lower accident rates by instructing students in defensive driving techniques, which are otherwise difficult to acquire independently” (The Importance of Driver’s Education, n.d.). It is one matter to be taught how to drive by a family member and another to take a class with an organized curriculum. Family member’s tend to only touch on basic driving information like adjusting your mirrors, seat and what different signs and signals mean; Generally followed by driving around a parking lot or making short trips. While driver’s education touches on those too, it also emphasizes the importance of following traffic regulations and how to be safe on the road. These programs typically offer information on what it is and how to be a defensive driver. Driver’s education provides valuable information to prospective license holder’s that would equip them with knowledge to make smart decisions on the road. Thus, preventing the number of deaths as a result of driving.

There are many driver’s education programs available today. Both in-person and options online which provide imperative knowledge for the road ahead. When teenagers, age 16, are eligible to receive their permit they are required by state law to take a drivers ed course. This course will prepare them for the permit test after completion of the required hours for the course. After driving with a licensed driver next to them for a period of 6 months, the prospect can then go on to receive their license. The knowledge gained from driver’s education is invaluable. All states allow them to bypass receiving this invaluable information once they are 18 years old. At this point the applicant need only take a road or maneuverability test with a proctor and pass to receive their license. It is only after failure of this first attempt that the applicant is required to take a course, before they can make a second attempt (Ohio BMV, n.d.). There should not be an “after”. Everyone, regardless of age, should be required to take a driving course before they are approved to be a fully licensed driver. To not do so could not only put the driver, but others as well at risk.

My sister was in a car accident in 2013 with her 6 month old son and his father. He had started an argument over a trivial matter with her while she was driving. All the while, they were both messing with the radio. She would turn the volume up in an attempt to tune him out to focus on driving and he would turn it back down. In his frustration he ended up shoving the wheel while they were going around a bend. There was another car coming the opposite direction, the driver side corners of each car hit and my sister’s vehicle spun out. She became dizzy and experienced head pain. Despite this she went into action to get to my nephew in the back seat and get out of the car because there was smoke coming from the hood of the car. While my nephew’s father was concerned only with his own well being.

Throughout this experience, they were both at fault. She could’ve told him that they could discuss the matter after they got to their destination, or they could have pulled off to the side of the road to level out the argument. This would have allowed her to continue the drive without distractions . He could’ve practiced self control and prioritized the safety of those in the car (himself included). Lacking consideration of these safety measures, she continued to attempt to distract herself from him. She persistently kept re-adjusting the radio volume rather than maintaining focus on the road before her. His reckless action to get her attention back to him caused injury and property damage.

To be a better driver myself I can lead by example and go back to the basics. Things like making sure my mirrors and seat are adjusted in a manner that allows me to drive without strain. Ensuring to look ahead and not just anticipate the behavior of the car in front of me. For example, when many cars ahead of the one directly in front of me start braking, I can start to slowly decrease my own speed. That way no abrupt breaking occurs, which could otherwise cause someone behind me to hit my rear bumper that would result in an accident. Exercising patience is crucial when driving because when you lack it you begin to drive carelessly. Such as failing to check your blind spots, tailgating, or excessive speeding. As someone who participated and completed the required driver’s education courses at the age of 16; What I learned throughout the program has aided me on more than one occasion. For instance, where there was hazardous weather or sudden traffic. I was able to make well informed decisions to handle those situations. In conclusion, I can make sure that I am diligent and mindful of others and my own well being to ensure our mutual safety on the road.