Behind the wheel

In 2019, about 38,800 people died from vehicle-related accidents. Although they didn’t end in death, about 4.4 million people were severely injured and required medical attention from 2019’s crashes. Every year, thousands of people lose their lives from often preventable car accidents on the road.

Drivers Education is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of becoming a safe driver. The purpose of this program is to provide drivers with the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate a vehicle for the benefit of both the driver and the pedestrian. Drivers Ed helps one learn the rules and regulations that ensure safety on the road. Finishing a Drivers Ed course before getting one’s license helps teenagers develop the basics of how to control a vehicle and behave in traffic. In traffic, it teaches drivers how to drive safely on busy roads, at night, and in other dangerous situations. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining certain driving routines like adjusting a vehicle’s steering wheel, seat, and mirrors. In addition, students are taught to communicate effectively while driving, change lanes safely, and adjust their speeds when needed. Another great skill that is developed through Drivers Ed is the ability to foresee certain unsafe situations on the road. This skill helps with increasing road safety. Another incentive that demonstrates the importance of Drivers Ed is the fact that some insurance companies give drivers who have taken the course discounts on their monthly insurance premiums. All these reasons demonstrate just how and why Drivers Ed is very important. It helps produce well-rounded and responsible drivers.

I have never been in a car accident before but I can imagine how horrible of an experience it must be. There are numerous steps that can be taken to avoid these mishaps. One of the most important ones is to never think that being on-time for an event is worth risking the lives and safety of ourselves and others. No matter the urgency of the occasion, a human life supersedes in terms of importance. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Their powers are so strong that they can lead to fatal results, so it’s better to stay safe and avoid it. Avoiding distractions while driving is another vital step to being a safe driver. Don’t look at your phone. A simple glance at a text is not worth risking a single life. Maintain and obey the speed limits and signs. The faster you go, the more difficult it is to brake when faced with a sudden situation. It is also very important to stay alert in parking lots. People, especially children, can quickly be within the car’s vicinity and full alertness is crucial to avoid disaster. Finally, the reliability and performance of a car play a huge role in its quality on the road. Make sure to get your car evaluated and fixed for any impurities. If all drivers took these factors into account, the road would be a much safer atmosphere for everyone.