Sharing my personal experience

• What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number deaths as a result of driving?

• What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?

• Have you ever had an experience of being in car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly?

• What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?

Driving on the road may have fatal consequences if you do not pay attention and do not follow the rules. Limiting speed, lack of focus on the road and the use of illicit drugs, such as drinking alcohol can lead to just more than an accident, it can lead to death. As a result, driver education is important for the prevention of serious car accidents and for the prevention of future road deaths. A safety driver is responsible for wearing a seat belt, keeping the car in proper conditions, and maintaining a proper speed limit on the road result. Overall, there are countless details and information about driving education that is relevant to an individual on how to drive safely on the road and avoid possible fatal car accidents. 

 

Several steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving such as wearing a seat belt. It seems like it is not much, or “annoying” but it is very much essential and protects one from instant death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle; being completely ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly.” Other steps that can be used to help driving safely, is the use of lights, at nighttime. Lights help one to have a better view and enlightenment of the road whether upfront or on the sides which helps the driver drive safely. Also avoiding the use of alcohol and narcotics and driving rested helps reduce the risk of accidents. 

 

I have been involved in a car accident 2 years ago which was a traumatizing experience which to this day still affects me. I remember it was night time, raining, and the road traffic was quite heavy. My father was driving, I was on the passenger side, and my young 8 years old brother in the back seat of the car. We were on the highway, driving slowly due to the weather circumstances and the traffic conditions when suddenly the car in front of us stopped which led us to crash to the back of the car. The airbags came out as the collision was violent and so abrupt. The airbags hit my right eye which prevented me to see from my right side for 3-4 days due to it being inflated. Our car was destroyed, there was no option to get it repaired. Since that night, every time my dad hit the brake, I get scared and flashbacks of that evening, and get anxious every time I feel like we are too close to the back of another car. I understand that I could have gotten worse injuries that night, but the fact that I was wearing my seatbelt, protected me, and prevented me from flying across the board. That is why I do believe that driver education is crucial to ensure not only the driver’s safety and the passengers but also others.

 

Some of the steps that I can take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road, are to drive when I am physically and mentally able to drive. Wear my seatbelt at all times, and make sure my passengers do the same. Make sure that my brakes work properly, adjust my mirrors, beware of traffic rules, and speed limits. To be a better and safe driver, I can keep a safe distance, maintain a safe amount of stopping distance between my car and the one in front of me. Through bad weather, drive slower to avoid hydroplaning. Turning my lights during the day or night when it is raining or foggy. Pay attention to the road, and stay focused at all times. 

Overall, driving education is essential to learn all those steps that help to ensure the safety of all and reduce the number of deaths related to driving. 

Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T. “5 Road Safety Tips Even the Most Experienced Drivers Sometimes Forget.” SELF, SELF, 9 Nov. 2020, www.self.com/story/car-road-safety-tips. 

[email protected]. Seat Belts. 15 Jan. 2020, www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts.