Driver education is the ANSWER.

Driver education is the answer to helping reduce the number of driving related deaths. I still remember going through all of the drivers training classes before being able to test to receive my permit when I turned 15. After receiving my permit I would drive with my parents, as well as doing my behind the wheels with a driving instructor. Drivers training classes and behind the wheel with instructions is the most crucial time to teach new drivers to be safe, as well as a defensive driver.

The biggest role when teaching teens how to drive, as well as the rules of the road. The teacher helps to shape how the students will learn. The teachers should be able to give the lessons in a way that pulls the teens in to keep their attention at the same time of still persuasively teaching them rules. They should also talk about how unsafe driving can cause significant harm to themselves or others. By talking about the possible consequences of unsafe driving it will hopefully keep them from breaking the rules, like speeding and weaving around people or ignoring stop signs and much more. I feel that during these lessons teachers should talk about the dangers that may be overlooked during some of these lessons like black ice for example. I remember briefly going over it during one of the classes, we only reviewed what black ice is, not how to identify it, or how to react when we encounter it.

Another way that I feel that we could help prevent crashes and lower the number of deaths due to driving is to make all new drivers go to one class right before getting their license, where they watch a fake crash that was caused by either texting and driving or speeding ect. This crash simulation can help to show the students what terrible consequences can occur within the matter of a few seconds. By having the students watch the aftermath of a crash, including damage to the vehicle and injuries, it can help to make them realize the risk of sending that text or being on time or even just doing something stupid just to be cool isn’t worth it.

One thing that I can do, as well as others, to be safer on the road as well as other is to try and limit the amount of distractions in the car. Some frequent distractions to avoid are, your PHONE or not putting a water bottle in its holder so when it falls you have to pick it up. If you limit the amount of distraction in your car then it will be easier to pay attention to what is going on around you and all of the other drivers on the road. Another way to be a better driver is to be a defensive driver instead of a reactive driver. A defensive driver is a driver who anticipates what can happen, or what dangers exist. For example, if someone were to start to merge into your lane, instead of just honking your horn and sitting there looking to see if they are moving over you can slow down or speed up to allow that driver into your lane. Another example is to watch the intersecting traffic at stop lights to make sure nobody is running a red light before you go on green. The last and final thing I can do is to watch my speed and be aware of what the weather is like outside. For example if it rained the night before and it was below freezing, even if the road doesn’t look icy it still can be, so keeping that extra gap between you and the person in front of you as well as leaving extra room to stop for a stoplight or stop sign is very important.

One final thing that can help to reduce deaths due to driving is spreading awareness of what to do and how to be prepared if you were to get into an accident. My mom was involved in a car accident a few years ago after hitting black ice. She was able to get her car off the road and eventually receive help. She did the right thing by getting off the road and away from moving traffic because other traffic could also crash into her if they are not paying attention. My mom also keeps blankets in her car in case of an accident or if her car breaks down, because it can get very cold quickly if the car and heater are not functioning. By being prepared, just like my mom was, and knowing what to do, you could help to reduce the chances of an accident happening, or potential harm after being in an accident. As mentioned earlier, speeding awareness is key, especially during drivers training.