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The importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving cannot be emphasized enough. From being taught the basic rules of the road, to being aware of your surroundings, and developing good habits, you will not only save the lives of others, but possibly save your own as well. Driver education teaches what the road signs mean, how to properly navigate traffic, following posted speed limits, the impacts of driving under the influence, handling adverse road conditions, wearing a seatbelt, and to avoid distractions that take your eyes off of the road. All of these topics play a role in keeping our roads safe, and making driving a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

There are steps that can be taken to reduce the number of driving-related deaths. The first step would be to successfully complete the driver education class. This gives a great foundation of knowledge that can easily be applied behind the wheel. Between the time spent in the classroom, and the hours of practice time spent with your family, you are exposed to various driving experiences: daytime, nighttime, weather changes, in-town/interstate, changing speed limits, and the different traffic patterns throughout the day. During your training period, you should be developing good habits, like always putting your seatbelt on first. I always put away my phone, and prefer to drive in silence, so that the road and my surroundings have my full attention. Always using your mirrors to check for other vehicles, pedestrians, or road obstructions. Another step that can be taken is leaving a little early, so that you do not feel the need to rush, and have some “padding” if there are traffic delays. Not being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and if you are, to call someone else for a ride or take a cab. Do not get caught up in road rage situations, avoid conflict on the road as much as possible, or call the police if necessary. Also, if YOU happen to be extremely upset, or stressed out, maybe wait until you have your emotions under control before attempting to drive.

I have been in an accident before. I had just recently received the learner’s permit, and was driving with my dad. We were driving about 30 minutes to go meet up with my mom, and just as we were coming off the ramp at our destination, disaster struck! Remember what I said about developing good habits? Well, I learned that lesson the hard way! I had gotten into the habit of driving (an automatic) with both feet, one on the gas, and one on the brake. My grandpa had noticed it, said something about it to my mom, and she brought it up to my dad. They knew that was a bad habit, and tried to warn me. The night of the accident, I wanted to do it right, but had already trained my right foot to only hit the gas…so you can imagine coming off of the interstate at full speed, then accidentally hitting the gas again, instead of the brake, on the off ramp, did not end well. The car flew off the ramp, through a traffic light (just grazing the pole), roughly bouncing through the ditch on the other side of the road, until finally coming to a stop. The car was totaled, but thankfully, my dad and I only had minor back injuries. The police came, along with an ambulance, and my mom had to come find us. She had been waiting at the gas station down the road, worrying about us because we were late, and no one had responded to her messages. I think I was in shock, I know I was sobbing profusely, was worried about my dad, and definitely terrified of ever driving again at this point.

Although it took me about a month to get up the courage to drive again, being in that accident made me realize how serious the ramifications can be if I, or those around me, did not drive safely, and I have since taken steps to be a better and safer driver. I have always been good about using my seatbelt, I do not drive with a bunch of people in the car, have the music up loud, or mess with my phone. I have corrected myself on using only one foot for both the gas and the brake! I follow the posted speed limits, and I do not rush through stop lights as soon as they turn green, in the event that someone runs a red light going the other way. I do not drink or use drugs as a general rule, but that does not mean others do not, so defensive driving is a MUST! Even if you are doing everything right, all it takes is for one person who is not, to cause an accident, this is where being aware of your surroundings, and being able to react quickly are imperative. I have learned that accidents are costly in many respects, not only in the financial aspects, like missed work, traffic tickets, auto repairs, and insurance, but also the human cost. I am very lucky not to have lost my mom when she was hit by a semi, but she does have permanent injuries. I am also glad that the injuries related to my accident were not life-threatening. I know that I do not want to get hurt, and I would not want to be responsible for hurting, or killing, a fellow human being. That would be too much to live with!