Dead Is Dead

Dead Is Dead

Dead is dead. Those are the first words I heard in my drivers ed class two years ago, and they have stuck with me ever since. At first the words bewildered me and peers. All eager to finally get that freedom we so longed for, which being able to drive granted us, we didn’t want to talk about death… but let’s be honest, who does? My teacher explained that you can’t learn how to drive without talking about the risks and dangers of driving, and the biggest risk of driving is death. Driving isn’t a right, but a privilege, it’s our first step towards adulthood, and not only are you putting your life at risk, when you’re not properly educated in drivers’ safety, but also everyone else’s whom you cross paths while driving.

America has about 3,287 deaths a day caused by driving, and in all reality that’s 3,287 deaths a day that could have possibly been prevented. In 2010, my uncle’s death was one that could have prevented. He and four others were killed by a drunk driver, who had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit, and was on his phone when he hit their vehicle. That driver was not the only one driving illegally, my uncle’s driver, who was the only one to survive out of the five kids in the car, was not at a legal age to have more than one person in the car, or drive at midnight, if she had not violated those laws none of the kids would have been in the situation that took their lives. If the two drivers involved in the accident would have simply obeyed the law, those four deaths would have been prevented.

Drivers education is the most important and best way to reduce the number of deaths caused by driving. Being well educated in drivers ed doesn’t just teach us how to drive but also shows us how to avoid collisions, understand and fully work a car, avoid distractions, how to deal with road rage, the laws that help us be safe drivers and, in my opinion, most importantly teaching the dangers and risks that come with driving. All of these things taught in drivers ed help us become better safer drivers. Other ways car related deaths can be prevented are by always wearing seatbelts, and requiring your passengers to also wear them, never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, avoid being on your phone, and always drive defensively.

Driving isn’t a right, it’s a privilege. Follow the law. Drive defensively. Become well educated in drivers’ education to protect yourself and others.

Because once you’re dead, your dead.