The Importance of safe driving

Laurie Taplin

The Importance of safe driving

While driving a car, a single second of distraction could end in a devastating crash or collision. Behind the wheel, the actions and choices made are capable of changing lives. The importance of driver education is enormous especially among new, young drivers. Drivers Education Programs are very useful for new drivers. Teenagers that have gone through these courses are proven to be significantly safer on the roads. Drivers Ed teaches skills that are essential to safe driving. This includes obeying traffic laws, avoiding distractions, keeping distance, and to never drive under the influence. Driving is a privilege that can go terribly wrong when proper road rules are not followed. By taking these courses, new drivers can likely handle situations better than new drivers who did not take Drivers Ed. This is an important step in learning for new drivers which could help to reduce the number of deaths related to driving.

I have been driving for two years and have never been in a car accident or received a speeding ticket. I took Drivers Ed and it taught me driving skills that I will always use. Sadly, I have seen numerous young drivers driving irresponsibly, whether it is speeding, texting, or driving under the influence. These things are unacceptable and irresponsible because the driver is in control of these conditions. An old friend of mine passed away along with three of her friends in a fatal crash due to intoxication. The driver had been under the influence and speeding which led the car to crash and roll down a hill. It then caught on fire and only one out of the five passengers survived. This event was devastating but also a huge realization for me. I had never experienced anyone I knew getting into a bad car crash, let alone one that caused death. A car can be a weapon of destruction with an irresponsible driver behind the wheel. I had always taken driving seriously beforehand but this has forever changed my perspective on the extreme importance of safe driving. I am sure to remove all distractions possible while driving. I would never drive under the influence for my own sake and the drivers around me. People typically do not get behind the wheel thinking that they will crash. Sometimes people will think that they are “sober” enough to drive. No matter the circumstances, one should never drive intoxicated or be a passenger in a car with an intoxicated driver. Driving under these conditions not only endangers the driver, but also the drivers around them or possible passengers in the car. 

The way you drive and act on the road affects all drivers around you. It is important to remove distractions and focus. Checking your mirrors, adjusting your seat, and music should all be dealt with before driving. On the road it is important to be cautious and aware. Driving under the influence or while texting is never acceptable. It is important to drive safe and encourage others to do the same. Following these simple tips could help to save lives and limit the number of driving related deaths.