Driving Towards Safety: The Importance of Driver’s Education

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021, there were 3,522 deaths caused by distracted driving, with 2,608 of those crashes involving a teen driver aged 15-18.

As a high school senior who completed an in-school driver’s education course in my sophomore year, I have realized the crucial role the class plays in reducing the number of deaths caused by driving. The class is more than just getting a license; it is about learning how to be responsible and safe behind the wheel to protect ourselves and others on the road.

Driver education taught me the basics of traffic laws, road signs, and defensive driving techniques. These are the building blocks for safe driving habits that can prevent accidents and save lives. By understanding the rules of the road, students are better prepared to make smart decisions while driving. Additionally, driver’s education opened my eyes to the dangers of reckless driving behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence. Through driver’s ed class lessons and watching videos from car accident victims, I gained an understanding of how the unsafe actions people take while driving will not only put our own lives in danger but also put other innocent drivers’ lives in danger. Personally, this fact alone serves as a constant reminder of the responsibility I have behind the wheel and pushes me to stay focused and avoid taking unnecessary risks while driving.

One aspect of driver education that particularly surprised me was learning about car features that I had no idea existed, such as Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS). Understanding how these features work and their importance in maintaining control during emergencies was eye-opening. Additionally, I learned essential techniques for safely driving in inclement weather, such as rain, snow, and ice. These lessons equipped me with the skills to adjust my driving behavior and adapt to challenging road conditions, reducing the risk of accidents.

To reduce the number of fatalities related to driving, our society must go beyond simple driver’s education. Stricter enforcement of traffic laws, better road infrastructure, and laws supporting new vehicle safety technologies are all required for safer roads. Fortunately, car companies are integrating driver assistance systems within their newer models. Although these models are more expensive than vehicles without high-end safety features, it is a great investment in the long run. These measures can help prevent accidents and potentially save your life, which I have seen firsthand from my mother’s 2023 Audi Q7. The Audi Q7 is equipped with several features that prevent accidents such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Pre Sense City. Audi’s Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane without signaling, and the Audi Pre Sense City feature senses obstacles when driving in urban environments like pedestrians or cyclists and can utilize its automatic emergency braking in case of a potential collision.

While I thankfully have not been in a car accident myself, I have witnessed several friends and family members drive irresponsibly while being a passenger. Whether it is speeding, texting while driving, or running red lights, these behaviors are dangerous and can have serious consequences. It is extremely alarming to think about what could happen if people do not take driving seriously and prioritize safety. The normalization of texting and driving among teens my age is concerning. It has become almost routine for some to glance at their phones while behind the wheel, even though it is incredibly risky. This casual attitude behind the wheel with teens shows why continued education and awareness about its dangers is needed, even after driver’s licenses are obtained.

As a licensed driver, I am dedicated to continuously improving my skills and knowledge to ensure safer roadways for all. I recognize the importance of practicing defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a safe following distance, anticipating potential hazards, and staying alert at all times. I am also committed to minimizing distractions while driving by keeping my phone out of reach. By setting a positive example for my younger sibling or even just talking to my friends about the importance of responsible driving, I want to do my part to prevent accidents and save lives.

In conclusion, by increasing accountability and encouraging open dialogue about the risks associated with reckless road behavior, we can all work together to create safer communities and prevent accidents. Together, our country can create a culture of safety on the road and make our communities safer for everyone.