In the Driver’s Seat

Drivers ed is a vital component in reducing the number of driving-related deaths. The skills that drivers ed provides to new and experienced drivers can be the difference between life and death for hundreds of thousands of Americans. From using a turn signal to what steps to take in the event of a driving-related emergency, drivers ed teaches drivers how to react quickly and responsibly. Operating a vehicle is not a skill we learn on our own. Having someone educated and qualified teaching drivers is crucial to providing effective drivers ed. Informing new drivers of the dangers that can occur while driving is an essential part of reducing the number of deaths related to driving. Knowledge of the dangers itself is enough to reduce the numbers. If not already in place, a zero tolerance policy for drinking and drug use should be implemented to ensure that irresponsible drivers are held responsible for their actions. In addition, drivers ed refresher courses should be required at least every ten years to remind drivers of common driving-related problems, accidents and deaths. Senior prom can go from the best day of one’s high school life to the worst day in a split second because of the choices one makes before getting behind the wheel. Though illegal, many students choose to drink before, during and after senior prom. A girl and her date made the poor decision to drink before arriving at the venue. Our teachers all delivered the news to us that on the way to the venue the couple had rolled their vehicle and were being transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. While we were not told what had caused them to roll veer off the road and roll their vehicle, being intoxicated definitely impaired judgement and caused unnecessary damage and trauma. I would be willing to take a driver’s safety and education course to refresh myself on how to drive responsibly and safely. I will also be more vocal about the dangers that can come with driving irresponsibly and offer my assistance and knowledge to those who want to learn more about drivers ed and safety.