Defensive Driving

Defensive Driving by Makye Boles

Driving is a privilege and should not be taken lightly. Most teens that complete a Driver’s Education course are less likely to cause an accident and can consider themselves Defensive Drivers. Teen drivers will also save their parents money on car insurance by completing the Driver’s Education course. Students who complete a Driver’s Ed course will have a greater knowledge base of the rules of the road than a student who does not complete the course. As a result of completing the driver’s course, students will gain the knowledge of predictable (defensive) warnings that can save one from a crash. Some triggers that can reduce crashes and deaths caused by car accidents include:

1. No texting while driving

2. No drinking while driving

3. Limit the number of people that ride in your car

4. Go over the rules of the car with individuals that ride with you

5. Every passenger in the car wears a seatbelt including the driver

6. Use turn signals when switching lanes

7. Maintenance checks every 7000 miles is required

In my eighteen years of life, I have been in two car accidents. One with my Dad and one with Mom. Each accident was the result of another driver and each accident was caused by the other driver either texting or talking on the phone while driving. As a result of these two accidents, I have pledged not to text or talk on the phone (at least not while holding the phone in my hand).

In Driver’s Ed, we learn to keep a safe distance when following a car; at least two car lengths to give yourself room to stop. We also learned to give our car a self-check before the car leaves its parked position. These check points can include making sure your head and taillights work, your turning signal and brake lights are working, your horn works, and your mirrors are clean and positioned so that you can easily see around your car.

Teen drivers who take a Driver’s Education course are more equipped to expect the unexpected and position themselves to become Defensive Drivers. Many sports team use the slogan “Defense always wins the game” and this is true for all drivers of the road regardless of age. When we learn how to drive defensively, we can decrease the number of car accidents each year which means more people will arrive to their destination safely and on time.