The Importance of Driver Education

Driver education is extremely important, especially with how we live today. Currently, when a child turns sixteen, they can go in for a driver’s test to see if they are legally able to drive by themselves. At an even younger age of fifteen, children are able to test to see if they are able to drive with an adult. Even though they have one year to learn, they might not be receiving the correct information. Whether the adult has forgotten certain rules of the road, or they simply don’t practice them, the child might not be receiving all the information needed to be a safe, educated driver. While this may not seem like it affects much, this lack of driver education may continue for generations. Driver education, or lack thereof, not only affects the driver, but the passengers in that car and everyone they come by on the road. The driver is responsible for everyone in the car’s safety, along with their own. If they drive or act carelessly, this could affect multiple people. A precaution that could be taken to help reduce the number of wrecks, and therefore deaths, would be a form of a driver’s test for each adult every 5 to 10 years for them to keep their license. This test could review the driving basics to make sure that each adult practices and is aware of the basic driving safety laws. Another precaution that could be in place would be a more in-depth driving test for new drivers. The current driver’s license test quizzes sixteen year olds on basics such as speeding, parking, and the different road signs. A more in-depth version could have questions such as who has right-of-way, rules for driving while distracted, and illegal turns. The final precaution could be even stricter laws on driving while texting or under the influence. While these laws are already relatively strict, increased ticket fees or having more serious consequences could aid in decreasing the frequency of driving under the influence or while distracted. While no one wants to pay a ticket, an even higher ticket price would deter people from doing actions to receive one. More serious consequences, such as increased chance of going to jail or serving community service, would also deter people from committing these actions. I personally have been in two wrecks myself, so I know first hand of what driving errors can cause. Neither times were I driving, and neither time was it my parent’s fault. Both times was a turning error on the other person, and both times caused serious damage to the cars. Thankfully no one was harmed in the first wreck, however in the second accident my mom was injured and still has problems related to it six years later. Although no one died either time, both caused serious issues both financial and physical. A few steps I could personally take to become a better and safer driver would be to make sure to watch my speed, never drive while distracted, and make sure I’m aware of who has right-of-way. As for my friends, I could encourage them to practice these precautions as well.