Mainly Maintenance

Driver
education is valuable in reducing the number of deaths as a result of
driving so that drivers are aware that what they do behind the wheel
can impact others in more severe ways than they may intend. Speeding
down a road may be quicker or more fun, but it can cause another
person to die due to reckless behavior. By having drivers understand
that there are reasons for driving laws beyond one’s own safety,
they will be conscious of consequences actions may have on others. I
have never been in an accident on my own, however I have had numerous
experiences where my reaction time was a key factor in saving my
life. Driving on the Garden State Parkway, someone pulled off of the
shoulder in front of me and slammed on their brakes instead of
speeding up to merge. They were so close I had to brake my car
immediately. I still nearly collided with their bumper as I had been
driving at the speed limit, 55 miles an hour. There were cars behind
me that also had to stop short due to one driver being impatient then
stopping their car. It was one of the few times I was genuinely
scared driving, and I arrived to work shaking from the adrenaline
rushing through my body. Living in New Jersey, it is not unknown to
be cut off, especially on highways. Being a young driver,
experiencing someone stopping short in front of you is one of the
most terrifying experiences a teenager can face. Many become afraid
to drive, which makes drivers ed more important in the instance
that others can realize why they should be more thoughtful and
logical with choices. Others can benefit from drivers ed by
learning that they are not alone and there are steps to be safer
behind the wheel. Having a car that is maintained is important,
because no matter how well you pay attention, brakes that do not work
well will not be as effective in saving yourself from being in an
accident. I am grateful for my father teaching me to maintain my
car, as it is the reason I was able to stop in time on the parkway.
Being aware of surroundings will help others and yourself as well as
others to prevent accidents by keeping the proper distance between
vehicles when on the road or moving over to allow others to merge.
Drivers have to work together to increase safety for everyone.