The Importance of Defensive Driving

The Importance of Defensive Driving

For many young teenagers, the excitement of being a new driver comes with a newfound sense of freedom, but what many don’t realize, is that there are so many responsibilities that come with it. This lack of understanding what a big responsibility driving is results in driving being one of the highest causes of death in the United States, with numbers far greater than any other causes of death. Driving is one of the most dangerous and deadly activities in this country, and new, young, and unexperienced driver are some of the most negligent drivers, and don’t understand what it means to be a defensive driver. One of the biggest responsibilities that come with sitting behind the wheel is having both one’s own life, and the life of all other drivers on the road, and unfortunately, this responsibility isn’t something that comes to the mind of most newly licensed drivers.

The question as old as time, how do we reduce driving related deaths has truly yet to be answered and implemented, no matter how hard we try. Ultimately, the safety of drivers is dependent upon drivers really understanding how dangerous it is and making them care more. One of the most beneficial courses of action is further educating young teens on not only how to drive, but how to be a defensive driver. We have no control over other vehicles on the road, and while driving, it’s impossible to assume everyone else is going to cater to your driving and pay attention to what you are doing. There are so many wonderful driver’s education courses, but most families either can’t afford, or don’t know about these programs, resulting in uninformed drivers. This is why there has to be some reform in driver’s education to make it both more affordable and accessible.

Thankfully, I have never been in a car accident, however I have both witnessed accidents, and I also have had family members get in accidents. When I was in middle school, my stepmother got in an accident, and thankfully she and the other driver were both okay, the accident was minor, but hearing the news that someone you love was in an accident is absolutely terrifying. Not only the initial fear of “Are they okay?” but also thinking about how the other driver may react.

As previously mentioned, there are many solutions to bettering the education of new driver’s, however, it’s really up to the driver to want to learn and take into consideration their own safety as well as the safety of others. Personally, I took multiple courses both in school, with my insurance company, and outside companies so that I could feel confident driving and while I cannot control other drivers, I could do everything in my power to ensure my own safety and the safety of others to the best of my ability. I also try to help friends and family become safer on the roads by asking them to buckle when they get in my vehicle or in their own vehicles, or asking them not to text and drive, or if I witness them driving recklessly, I politely ask them to be more consciousness, or I myself offer to drive. I would love to become a more active educator when it comes to safe and defensing driving.