Choose.

Drivers education is of the utmost importance when it comes to reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. I wish driver’s education was offered around where I live because there have been countless times where I have been almost hit by another driver, or even where I made a mistake in driving because I was only taught by parents at home.

There are several steps that can be taken to help reduce the number of driving related deaths. Providing a drivers education course in high school to sophomores. These kids are around 15-16 years old, so this is the perfect time to provide them with a course to teach them to drive. This course should be the length of a full year, with the first semester being book studies of road safety, reviewing rules, scenarios, everything that needs to be spoken in regards to driving. Then in the second semester of the course, kids are able to get behind the wheel with an instructor and are able to learn the mechanics of the car and learn to drive in a safe environment. This way, students must get a certain grade in the class in order to be able to even go take their drivers test, which would result in better drivers.

Twice in my life I have been in a car accident. The first I was only one year old and my mom was rear ended, leaving me with a huge seatbelt rash on my neck. The second time was a few years ago. The other driver pulled out onto the main road without looking first and hit the side of our car, right where I was sitting. Thankfully they weren’t going too fast since they were pulling out of a small road, but I did end up with knee problems that still affect me to this day.

I have also seen people driving, or attempting to drive irresponsibly. We were at a small gathering with some family and friends, and after it was over a handful of the adults were tipsy, but one couple was definitely wasted. I was extremely concerned about them driving home, especially considering the fact that they had a toddler that I had just spent most of the night watching while they drank. I convinced my dad to drive them home so that nothing happened to them considering they could barely walk straight.

Everyone has ways they can improve, and there are several steps I and others can take to be safer drivers. For starters, don’t drink and drive. While it may be something people hear all the time it is a really serious topic that can cost people’s lives. A friend of mine just the other day had a neighbor die in a head on collision with a drunk driver. Another way to easily improve your driving is to put your phone somewhere you can’t access it. Turn off the sound and move it out of sight so you’re not tempted to check it. A third big way to be a safer driver is to always be vigilant. Check your mirrors, and all around you every so often so that you know you are a safe distance away from other drivers. If you’re feeling drowsy or sluggish and don’t feel like your reaction time is up to speed, have someone else drive you or take an Uber. There are so many other ways you can be safe driving, wearing your seatbelt, checking your lights, making sure your mirrors are straight, using your blinkers and other signals, I could go on and on. The most important thing to remember is that your choices impact everything around you, so choose to be a safe driver every time you get in the car.