Behind the Wheel

Behind the Wheel

Having the privilege to be able to drive should be taken seriously. Driver education is extremely important to all people, able to drive and those who are passengers. Having an education in driving can reduce the amount of deaths as a result of driving; the more you know about driving the more you will know about risk factors of transportation.

Over 34,000 people die each year due to reckless driving. In my hometown there have been many tragic amounts of deaths caused by reckless driving. In fact, on my road, 5 people have died in the past 15 years due to reckless driving. Innocent lives have been lost due to poor motor skills or simply taking advantage of the privilege to drive. Many of these accidents are caused by texting while driving, being under the influence, or lack of knowledge while driving. For example, I have a family member who was the cause of a horrible accident, due to being intoxicated. He unfortunately paralized a young woman for the rest of her life. Incidents like this will forever haunt the driver and the others involved in the accident.

In New York State, at the age of 16, young adults begin to learn how to drive. With that being said New York States offers a variety of driving courses along with a mandatory five hour driving class. Although many complain that these classes are boring and a waste of time, they are wrong. Having the privilege to learn more about what it is like to be behind the wheel and the dangers of driving can potentially save a life. Please take driving seriously because you never know when YOU could save a life.