Why Being An Educated Driver is Important

A study
followed more than 150,000 teen drivers over eight years and found
that drivers ed significantly reduces crashes and traffic
violations among new drivers. “Teens taking drivers ed are
less likely to be involved in crashes or to receive a traffic
violation during their first two years of driving,” the
researchers concluded. This is important because most teen crashes
and fatality rates are highest at ages 16-18. Drivers ed makes
a difference in teen traffic outcomes.

Steps can be
taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. If you’re
having a good time, designate a driver or don’t drink till you’re
home. NHTSA reports that 3,154 people were killed in distracted
driving crashes in 2013. Whatever you do, don’t text. Exceeding a
posted speed limit means you have chosen to drive faster than what is
safe for that road, putting others at risk. Follow the speed limit.
Wearing a seatbelt is the most effective way to reduce the risk of
fatality in a crash. Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries
and deaths by about half, according to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration.

I have never
personally been in a serious car accident, but I have known several
people who have died from drunk driving and known friends who have
gotten behind the wheel while intoxicated. My first experience with
irresponsible driving was when I was in the fifth grade and my best
friend’s brother was old enough to go out to bars and drink and every
night I would stay the night at her house, her brother would drive
himself home intoxicated and some nights would be in trouble with the
police because he was driving recklessly and he had gotten a few
DIY’s. Another experience I had with drunk driving was when the
five girls from the Gretna community were involved in a car accident
and four of the girls had died from driving while intoxicated and
driving at a high speed which caused them to crash into a ravine. The
Millard and Gretna community was devastated.

The actions I
could take to be a better and safer driver on the roads is focus on
driving, plan ahead of time, in case of an accident, focus my eyes on
where I can go, maintain my control when tires blow out, go the speed
limit, watch the weather, look both ways at an intersection, get my
road rage under control, keep my distance between my vehicle and
others, grip my steering wheel correctly, stay alert and awake, wear
my seatbelt at all times, pay attention to the flow of traffic, look
as far ahead as I can, keep my headlights on when needed, no drinking
and driving, and to put my phone away and out of sight when driving.