In The Driver’s Seat

In the Driver’s Seat

I believe if more people were to take a driver’s ed course(s), the number of deaths caused by driving would be reduced. As crazy as it may seem, some drivers get away with not taking driver’s ed courses, and heading straight toward the road. Completing one or more of these courses before getting a driver’s license teaches students safety precautions when it comes to driving a vehicle. People will be more educated on vehicle control and traffic maneuvers. According to the University of Nebraska, teens taking driver’s education are less likely to be involved in crashes or to receive a traffic violation during their first two years of driving. Even if the individual is not harmed during the accident in which they caused, the person behind vehicle #2 may be seriously injured or even dead. This is why many say it is important for everyone to at least take some type of class before going straight towards the road.

As many would agree, taking one or more courses can be one of many solutions to reduce the number of deaths. According to injury facts, the current motor-vehicle death rate is 12.0 per 100,000 population. These deaths are mainly caused by uneducated drivers, intoxicated drivers, and drivers who simply are not paying attention to their surroundings. One solution to stop this issue is to never get behind the wheel if you have used alcohol or other drugs. A majority of car accidents are caused by individuals being intoxicated behind the wheel. As someone who has taken driver’s ed, I have learned about intoxication and the serious consequences that come with being intoxicated. Taking a driver’s education course can teach students topics that can end up saving their lives and the lives of other drivers.

On April 4th of 2020, I experienced being in my first car accident. I was seated in the backseat while my mom and sister occupied the two front seats. As we were passing an intersection, another vehicle did not see the correct traffic light and hit us on the right side as we were crossing. The driver was not intoxicated, but he admitted he did not see the light due to the rain that had been pouring on us. Being my first car accident, I, as well as my sister, became a bit paranoid. As time went by I started to get used to being a regular passenger in a vehicle, but the process did not come easily. I believe the accident would have not occurred if the other driver had paid closer attention to the traffic lights. If he had paid closer attention, he would have stopped at the right time and place. Unfortunately, there are many cases like mine where people’s lives may have been taken away, and I am grateful that was not the case for us. Losing focus while behind the wheel is less fortunate if drivers were more educated, which is why taking driver’s ed is important.

As someone who has taken driver’s ed, I am a more confident and safer driver than I would be as someone would not take the course. I can help resolve this issue by encouraging others to take the course(s) needed in order to be a safer driver. I can also personally educate others on the consequences of driving while intoxicated. The road can be a dangerous environment for uneducated citizens. Which is why I encourage everyone I encounter to take driver’s ed, be educated, and be safe behind the wheel.