Better Education Leads to Better Drivers

With my face resting sluggishly on my hand, and my elbow on the gray table in the front of the room, I struggled to stay awake in Drivers Ed. Each class, I counted down until the ten-minute break when I could finally whip out my phone. Looking around the room, one could see in each student’s eyes that they were not really paying attention. Sure, they paid attention just enough to know the basic rules of the road, what all the pedals did, and how to change the sound system from the radio to their cell phone so they could play their own music. Unfortunately, Drivers Ed is not seen as a helpful and resourceful class, rather it is seen as an obstacle made up of tens of hours that keeps eager teens from getting their license, and freedom, faster.

Drivers Ed is important because it builds a foundation for something you will most likely be doing for the rest of your life. Learning the basic rules and laws regarding driving will reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving. After all, there is a reason these laws are in place. For example, the law that gives pedestrians the right of way at a crosswalk is in place so that we don’t have drivers blowing through crosswalks and hitting innocent pedestrians who are trying to cross the street. Likewise, traffic lights were put in place to indicate who should go when so that there is a sense of order and no one can just go whenever they would like to. All of these rules and laws are put in place in an effort to decrease the number of driving related deaths and keep all drivers safe, and knowledge of these rules start in Drivers Ed.

One step that can be taken to reduce the number of accidents, and in turn the number of deaths related to driving, is to make Drivers Ed more interactive and engaging for teenagers. There are many ways you could do this, but I think one that would really demonstrate the importance of practicing safe driving habits is to include a simulation of what it is like to be in a car crash. A lot of drivers, especially young ones, have no idea what it is like to be in a car accident. However, once they do experience one, they will always remember it. The sounds, images, and feelings that they endured are ingrained in their mind each time that they turn the key in the ignition. Giving young drivers even the smallest glimpse into what an accident is like could change their perspective forever, keeping them, and the other drivers on the road, more safe.

Personally, I have never gotten into an accident before. However, my sister and my cousin got in a bad accident a few months ago. They hit a planting bed and then a retaining wall while going about 60 miles per hour. Luckily, my sister got away with just a few scratches, a couple of bruises, and a chipped front tooth. My cousin wasn’t so lucky. Upon impact, her face hit the ceiling, causing a clean break down the middle of her nose. In addition, she had a gash running down the middle of her forehead. To this day, she has a scar that reminds her every day that she is lucky to be alive. Hearing about the accident, seeing pictures, and getting to visit my cousin and my sister after they got out of the hospital served as a wake up call.

After the accident I made an effort to be a better driver by doing the obvious: not texting while driving, avoiding any distractions such as eating behind the wheel. In addition, I don’t keep my music loud, and I ask any passengers that get in my car if their seat belt is on before I take the car out of park. I will continue to do these things every time I get in a vehicle.

At the end of the day, Drivers Ed is essential to create better drivers. Operating a motor vehicle is no joke and oftentimes the damage you can do if you practice poor driving habits is underestimated, especially by young drivers. Drivers Ed is a great tool for drivers and paying attention so you get the most out of your classes is very important.