Fundamental law of driving

As a young adult learning to drive appears to be fun and rewarding. Now after having my learner’s permit for almost a year and preparing to obtain my driver’s license this summer I realize that driving is more than just something to do fun. It requires you to navigate a machine technically while at the same time applying the rules of the road. Quick decision making is essential as well as quick response to others. Defensive driving is a great skill to adapt and use while operating a motor vehicle. In addition, it is a risk every time being in a car on the road whether you’re driving or riding with someone. A person can become severely injured or even worse ultimately lose their life while in a motor vehicle.

This is why the importance of driver education is important in reducing the number of deaths because of driving. For example, it allows students to practice their driving abilities in a safe setting. Driver education programs teach teenagers about traffic laws and regulations, which is important knowledge for any beginner driver. Not only is knowledge the aim of driver education; but understanding, skills and attitudes to safely operate a motor vehicle. By completing a driver education course, a driver can become more confident learning the rules of the road under the watchful eye of a professional can help teens feel more confident about their ability to drive behind the wheel. This is critical because the human brain is not fully developed until the age of 25, but the law states a person can drive without supervision at 16 years old. Teens need the extra guidance from someone mature, experienced, and responsible so they can learn to make the best decision possible.

Insurance of any kind is beneficial for a person to have; auto insurance is the most important type! There are incentives if a person takes a driver’s education course, such as lower insurance premiums. This is because insurance companies are taking a huge risk to have a inexperience teenage driver as a liability. Insurance companies know that a person that takes driver’s ed is more aware of the dangers of driving and have approval from a professional to operate a vehicle safely. In addition, insurance companies are more confident the new driver knows the rules of the road. Mechanical knowledge is also learned while taking a driver’s education course, motor vehicles do not just operate forever without routine maintenance. Some minor common repairs and maintenance consist of oil change, brakes, flat tire, and refilling wiper fluid, car overheating, and changing light bulbs. Also, a driver can become familiar with where certain parts of the car are located, such as alternator, engine, and transmission. Even though society is transitioning to electric cars, the main part that is relevant is the battery. A young driver should also know how to jump start a battery in case they need to for themselves or to assist someone else.

Another aspect of taking driver’s education course is the awareness of alcohol and drugs. It’s one thing to just be warned to not drive while intoxicated, especially since underage regardless of operating a vehicle or not anyway. It is a entirely complete different experience for a teen to sit through a devastating series of videos that show the destruction and consequences caused by drunk driving or people driving while under the influence drugs. It is already illegal for minors to partake in alcohol and drugs, but it becomes even more dangerous not just for yourself but those around you. Furthermore, having a personal experience of your own can make a person more cautious. For instance, while in college a drunk driver hit my great-uncle and his friends. In result, one of my great-uncles friends passed, and my uncle is a paraplegic, not having no feeling from the waist down. This took place in the 1980’s when seat belts and car insurance weren’t even required by the state of law.

My grandmother remembers when her older brother could walk, but my mom was only two years old when it occurred, so she has no recollection of my great uncle walking. I couldn’t believe there was a time when seat belts were not required, I always assumed its been the law to wear a seatbelt. I didn’t become familiar with auto insurance until I started learning how to drive. Thankfully God didn’t allow my uncle to lose his life, but at the time he had a full ride scholarship at University of Arizona for running track. Not only did he lose the use of his legs and other lower body parts but his dream of training for the Olympics and passion for running ended. My great uncle is an inspiration because despite his tragic accident he still graduated college, went on to get his master’s degree and is married with a family. More importantly my mom doesn’t have any brothers, so he is my only uncle, and he is so fun to be around, we have went to sports games together, out to eat, shopping, and he even learned how to drive as a paraplegic. My uncle Lonnie’s van is one of the coolest motor vehicles, its very fascinating to see him operate a vehicle like any other person!

Steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths as a result, develop the right attitude for driving. Train for poor weather conditions, limit driving at night and with groups. Get as much supervised practice as possible and drive slow at reasonable speed at the designated speed limit. Unfortunately, I have seen my friends and peers drive irresponsibly. I also have had the experience of being involved in a car accident on my way to school with my mom, I didn’t know the student personally, but she attends my school. She only had her learner’s permit at the time and was not with a licensed driver, the police also deemed her as at fault for the accident. I remember her being very scared and nervous.

Additional steps I can take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road are always where a seatbelt. Drive with caution for yourself and others, avoid distractions such as loud music. Another common distraction is using your phone while operating a vehicle, with an exception to using GPS be disciplined and not use phone. If it’s urgent then pullover, stop driving and use. Maintain distance between cars and drive speed limits. Lastly, regardless of any circumstance never become intoxicated and still operate a vehicle. There are too many other alternatives such as uber, lyft, taxi, friend, family member or even sleep in car until coherent. Overall, safety saves lives for yourself and others!