On an Interstate in Los Angeles

The sick feeling that I got in my gut when I saw his dead body laying in the middle of the road will never go away. It is forever seared in my mind. It made me think, this could have been prevented!
Taking Driver’s Education when I was in high school was one of the best decisions that I made. It just might have been – life saving. Studies show that Driver’s Education reduces the number of deaths in driving. According to a recent study done by the University of Nebraska, “Young drivers who have not completed driver’s education are… 24 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident.” That seems like a significant number of kids that could have avoided death or serious injury if they just would have taken Driver’s Education. The study goes on to say, ““Teens taking driver education are less likely to be involved in crashes or to receive a traffic violation during their first two years of driving,” the researchers concluded. “Because teen crashes and fatality rates are highest at ages 16-18, these reductions are especially meaningful. Driver education appears to make a difference in teen traffic outcomes at a time when risk is highest.”

There are many steps that can be taken to avoid death while driving. The first step comes from the research that I just mentioned, requiring new drivers to take Driver’s Ed. Along with taking Driver’s Ed, it is important to wear a seatbelt. The CDC says that, “seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45%” in the case of a car accident. It is also important to obey the traffic laws, be predictable, avoid distractions, drive rested, and steer clear of alcohol and drugs. All of these are important factors in driving related deaths are in the control of the driver.

Although I have not been in a car crash, I have witnessed the tragedy that comes along with a crash first hand when we were on the interstate to California. Our family was on vacation near Los Angeles when we approached a horrific accident. A red sports car lost control. I assume the driver was not wearing a seatbelt, because his body was laying in the middle of the interstate. The first responders had covered part of his face, but his dismembered leg was visible. I felt sick. I have also been in the car a few times with dangerous behaviors going on. Driver’s Education has helped me to recognize these situations. It is the responsibility of the driver to provide a safe ride for his passengers.

I can be a better passenger by being brave enough to speak up when someone is being irresponsible. I can also require all of my passengers to wear their seat belts. Additionally, I can pledge to NEVER drink and drive.

Driver’s Education is invaluable. I wish every new driver would be required to take it. I will be recommending it to all of my siblings and friends. I believe that Driver’s Education has made me a much better and more safe driver.

Sources:

http://newsroom.unl.edu/releases/2015/08/13/Study:+Driver’s+ed+significantly+reduces+teen+crashes,+tickets#:~:text=%22Teens%20taking%20driver%20education%20are,these%20reductions%20are%20especially%20meaningful.

https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/seatbeltbrief/index.html#:~:text=Seat%20belts%20dramatically%20reduce%20risk,of%20serious%20injury%20by%2050%25.&text=Seat%20belts%20prevent%20drivers%20and%20passengers%20from%20being%20ejected%20during%20a%20crash.&text=Seat%20belts%20saved%20almost%2013%2C000%20lives%20in%202009.