Impact Of Driver’s Education

Delissia Glenn

30 November 2020

Importance of Driver’s Education

When most people think about driver’s education they may feel that it is unnecessary and redundant. Unfortunately this is not the case. Driver’s Education allows people to learn the essential skills for vehicle control and traffic actions.

To elaborate, driver’s education teaches students how to operate a vehicle on busy roads under many circumstances such as during a storm, accident, at night, or simply during daytime. According to Leslie Reed, author of Study: Driver’s ed significantly reduces teen crashes, tickets, “Young drivers who have not completed driver’s education are 75 percent more likely to get a traffic ticket, 24 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident and 16 percent more likely to have an accident, the study showed”(Reed). Due to the large amounts of in course instructions and behind the wheel experience, driver’s education goes in depth with the reality and experiences encountered when driving. Therefore, taking driver’s education has been proven to reduce the amount of deaths annualy in the United States by preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed to drive safely.

Moreover, to reduce the number of deaths related to driving people need to be 100 percent sure they are mentally and physically prepared to drive. For instance, if you have anxiety when driving or feel pressured into driving irresponsibly then the best option is not to get behind the wheel. This will reduce the amount of deaths related to drivng. Being attentive is also very important when driving. Drivers need to be aware of what is happening around them by staying focused and being alert. This includes not being under the influence whatsoever, not being tired, not being overwhelmed and thinking about the traffic rules when driving. Additionally, not relying on other drivers and cutting out distractions are essential to reducing deaths rlated to driving. Do not assume that another driver will stay out of your way or adhere to driving rules. Always assume that other drivers will not follow the rules of driving to ensure that you will drive safely. Distractions to avoid could be music, loud passengers or using a device.

Personally I have not experienced being in a car accident but my step mother has been in two. I specifically remember her explaining how one happened. My stepmom said that she was about to leave the parking lot of her workplace when another car ran into the back end of her vehicle. Although she had the right of way and her indicator was on, she wrongfully assumed that the vehicle was turning into the lot she had been in even though the driver did not have on the indicator. Therefore, she went the opposite way tht she indicated and ended up in the wall of the parking lot.

Ultimately, to become a better and safer driver while helping others do the same it is important to control your speed and think about the rules of driving. Following the traffic signal rules and paying attention while driving will limit the chances of getting into an accident. Driving the speed limit is probably the most important rule of driving to avoid collisions. Additional important aspects of driving that most people don’t talk about are the vehicle itself and obtaining a license. It is important to ensure that the vehicle is in shape. This includes making sure the brakes are working, the windows are clean, the tires are inflated, the mirrors are working, etc… Having a license does not mean that learning new skills is a waste of time or your sense of attentiveness should decrease. Drive only when you are mentally and physically stable as well as able to be attentive.