What Is Driver’s Education & How Can It Be Better?

Driver education is a deeply emotional and tragic topic for me to write about because it hits so close to home. In 2020, during the height of Covid, I lost my cousin in a driving accident. This loss was devastating, and it changed my life forever. We had big plans for our futures—we both played sports and were working toward becoming D1 athletes. Our dream was to go to college together, make a difference, and create opportunities for our families. Losing my cousin so suddenly and unnecessarily was heartbreaking, and it made me realize just how critical driver education is.

Driver education isn’t just about learning the rules of the road—it’s about saving lives. When you think about it, we’re driving massive metal vehicles capable of causing serious harm. Without the proper education on how to operate these vehicles safely, no one should be allowed on the road. The responsibility that comes with driving is immense, and it’s not something that should ever be taken lightly. A lack of education or awareness can lead to irreversible consequences, not only for the driver but for everyone around them.

It’s a proven fact that car accidents are the leading cause of death for young adults. This is one of the main reasons insurance rates are so much higher for people under the age of 25. Young drivers are more likely to take risks or make mistakes due to inexperience, and without proper training, these mistakes can turn deadly. My cousin’s accident is a painful reminder of how crucial it is for everyone, especially young drivers, to be fully educated and prepared before getting behind the wheel. Driver education isn’t just about learning to drive—it’s about preventing tragedies and making the roads safer for everyone.

The steps we can take to reduce the number of deaths related to driving are first to strictly enforce traffic laws. Sometimes the cops will let people off with a warning for speeding and other things that may seem minor for a driver to not follow but even the slightest mistake when driving a car can lead to devastating injuries, or even death if not followed. We need to enforce the rules strictly when it comes to driving. We can also enhance infrastructure. Safer roads, with very apparent signs, and maintaining our vehicles’ health can help reduce the number of accidents from things easily in our control. Lastly, a major step we can take to reduce deaths related to driving is encouraging the use of technological advances in the car industry. Many new cars have lane assist, automatic braking, and monitoring systems that help make driving even safer. Sometimes the auto braking and lane assist can be annoying but I’d rather people be annoyed and safe than free and causing more accidents.

I got into a car accident not long after getting a driver’s license, and it was an incredibly frustrating experience. I was driving my dad’s truck, and a lady ran into the side of me. The whole situation really sucked, especially because I was still a new driver and just getting comfortable behind the wheel. Even though the accident wasn’t my fault, it still had a big impact on my life. Since I was young and inexperienced, it caused my dad’s insurance rates to go up, which added extra stress for both of us.

This experience showed me how important it is for all drivers to have proper education and awareness on the road. Even if you’re doing everything right, someone else’s mistakes can still affect you. It’s frustrating to think that another driver’s lack of knowledge or carelessness could lead to an accident that changes your life in so many ways. This is why driver education and safe driving habits are so important—not just for your own safety, but for everyone around you on the road.

I know that I can become a better driver if I continuously learn and stay updated on traffic laws and driving techniques. Driving is a skill that evolves over time, and staying informed ensures I am always prepared for any situation on the road. One of the key lessons I’ve learned from driver education is that some things you learn may not be commonly used in your local area, but they are still important to know. To remain safe, it’s essential to remember rules, road signs, and driving techniques that you might encounter when driving on unfamiliar roads or in new areas. This knowledge helps me adapt to different driving conditions and ensures I can respond appropriately no matter where I am.

In addition to learning, I will make sure to practice defensive driving. This means staying alert, anticipating the actions of other drivers, and being ready to react to unexpected situations. Defensive driving allows me to minimize risks and protect myself, my passengers, and others on the road. I will also take responsibility for maintaining my car in good condition. Regularly checking and servicing the brakes, tires, lights, and other essential parts of my vehicle is critical. A well-maintained car ensures I don’t cause accidents due to mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes or worn tires.

By combining continuous learning, defensive driving, and proper vehicle maintenance, I can improve my driving skills and contribute to making the roads safer for everyone.