Behind The Wheel

Laura Cummings

Bullock Creek High School

In The Driver’s Seat

I believe that Drivers Education is an extremely useful resource to those in our community, especially youth. The knowledge that we gain in those couple of weeks in the classroom and behind the wheel with an instructor, really shape the drivers on the road today.

Accidents are the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States. On average, in 2005, there were approximately 43,000 highway fatalities. That is almost as many as the Vietnam War. With the work of Drivers Education, that number has dropped to approximately 32,000 fatalities in 2012. This is why it is important for Drivers Education to be taught.

However, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. For example, texting and driving is the main cause of crashes in teens. By eliminating the temptation to text and drive, the number of deaths a year would significantly decrease. Alcohol also is a major factor in behind the wheel deaths per year. I believe that educating the youth on alcohol abuse and drug abuse can help reduce deaths. Teaching people that it’s also okay to ask for help, such as a ride home, can stop a person from getting behind the wheel intoxicated.

In addition, there have been many times I have been in a vehicle and have felt unsafe. Whether it be due to ignorance of the driver, or because they were showing off, they potentially put the lives of friends and I in danger. Kids who have the privilege of having nice cars as teens, oftentimes like to show them off to their friends. Driving faster than they should, or purposely breaking the law to make them look “cool” to their friends increases the risk of crashes as this is irresponsibly driving.

I personally take driving very seriously, as I have had the misfortune of losing people I love to drunk drivers. I am also the operator of a Motorcycle, and have had many close calls because people aren’t careful to look for us. While I am behind the wheel, I am sure to put on my seatbelt, and put my phone away. While driving I’m always careful to look out for not only those in a smaller vehicle than me, but also those on sidewalks or cross walks. A split distraction can take away the life of an innocent person in less than a second.

In conclusion, everyone has to do their part to help reduce the number of deaths related to car accidents, as it is the 3rd leading death in the United States. All teens should be required to take Drivers Education. Adults should also have to take a similar course in order to get their license. Those who have been drinking, should plan to have someone pick them up from where they are at prior to going. Teens should take responsibility, and put away their phones when they are driving. Everyone could stand to drive with a little more caution. With the work of everyone in the community, and driving with integrity, I believe we can reduce deaths per year.