The Importance of Safe Driving

Driver education is important because it can be the difference between killing someone on the road or staying safe. If more new drivers take driver’s education, it can help save many lives and lower the death rate. Steps that can be taken include driver education classes offered in school, a mandatory 1 year of having a permit before getting a license, and a solid driving test to make sure the driver is ready. Many people may not take driver’s education classes because they don’t know where to find them or because of the inconvenience, but if there is a class at school for it, they would have an easy opportunity to do it. A year with a learning permit is also important because it gives drivers time to learn with a parent without the pressure of friends in the car. Lastly, if the driving test to get a license is a good, thorough test it will help make sure the driver is ready to take on the responsibility of having a license and making sure they’re ready.

I personally have never been in a car accident however I have been in the car with friends who aren’t very responsible drivers. They aren’t bad drivers they simply just don’t drive smartly. There have been multiple situations when we either almost rear-end another car or hit one on the side when changing lanes. The driver is usually distracted, not paying attention, or simply not checking their surroundings. Teenage drivers are known for being reckless, but maybe with an in-depth driver’s education class, teenagers would be more aware of their actions and hopefully try to be better drivers.

As a new driver I know there are certain things I personally can do to make the roads safer. Simple things like turning into my own lane, giving good following distance, and always using my blinker can possibly save a life. I can also try to help my friends when I’m in their car and notice they aren’t completely focused on their driving. Telling a friend “hey watch the road” or “slow down a bit” can make a big difference in the long run. One of the biggest reasons teenage drivers are reckless is because of their friends and trying to impress them or show that they are cool. If you tell your friend to fix their driving maybe they will see they don’t need to drive bad to impress you or others.