The Importance of Drivers Education

The Importance of Drivers Education

According to a study conducted by the University of Nebraska, young drivers who have not completed their states driver education classes are 24% more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. The study focused on more than 150,000 teens and overall concluded that going through a driving education class significantly reduces your chances of ending up in a negatively life changing situation. Driving education is essential in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving, because not only does it give drivers the knowledge necessary to be as safe as possible on the road, but highlights the risks involved in driving. By being educated, people can influence others about the importance of driving safely, and do it safely themselves. If everyone behind the wheel was invested in making a change, we could collectively reduce the number of deaths due to driving each year.

There are many ways to reduce the number of deaths related to driving, but some people disregard some of these tips out of selfishness, which is a huge problem. That brings me to my first step, which is being educated. Being educated about driving can frighten people into following the laws enforced, and therefore reducing deaths. The next step is to put your phone on silent! If a person knows that they do not have the self discipline to ignore a notification while driving, they need to seriously reconsider if they need to take measures to stop themselves before they end up in a sticky situation. A couple ways to change these bad habits is to start by taking notifications away, or even turning their phones off, so they are not tempted to pick them up. Finally, ask yourself if you are in the right shape to drive before even getting in your car. Am I too tired to drive? Am I intoxicated? If your answer is yes to either of those questions, it is in your best interest to not drive.

Although I have not experienced a car accident first hand, I have multiple friends and family members that have been affected by that tragedy. One thing I can tell others about people who have been hurt by or lost loved ones because of a car accident, is that they wish they would have driven responsibly. They wish they would have paid more attention. They wish that they could go back to before they made that decision. Once you make the decision to drive irresponsibly, you are stuck with the consequences of your actions for the rest of your life.

Ever since I was allowed to drive under a permit at the age of 14, I have strived to be as safe as possible in order to keep myself and others out of harm’s way. One thing that I have learned over the years is that there is ALWAYS room for improvement when it comes to operating a vehicle safely. A couple ways that I can help others to become safer on the road include informing them of risks, acknowledge that you have to be aware of others on the road, and tell them the importance of following traffic rules.