Drivers ed: Rules to Follow

Drivers ed is important because it allows students to learn about rules, road safety and different driving techniques. In addition to learning in a classroom setting, students have the opportunity to drive alongside an experienced driver. One important thing taught in drivers ed classes is following rules and signs in order to ensure both your safety and that of those around you. Here are just a few examples of rules that all drivers need to follow in order to help lower the death rate. Follow the speed limit at all times and especially in residential and construction areas. By driving slowly, drivers will be able to see if a child or construction worker accidentally walks out into the street and there will be sufficient time to stop. Maintaining a safe following distance is another key rule to ensure that the driver has enough time to react and avoid accidents. Another rule to follow is to avoid distractions such as a phone or radio. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately three thousand deaths occurred because of people texting while driving. If it is absolutely necessary to make a phone call or respond to a text message while driving, pull over, respond, and then safely continue driving. Arguably the most important rule to follow is to use your seatbelt. It is estimated that seatbelts save 15,000 lives annually. The list of rules to follow to reduce the number of deaths is certainly not exhaustive. While these rules may seem too simple and overbearing, they have the potential to save thousands of lives. Like many others, I have seen family members and friends drive irresponsibly by weaving in and out of lanes, speeding, and not fully stopping at stop signs. People who drive this way do not portray a good example. To be a safer driver, I have to make the decision to not be distracted because the one second that I look away from the road can have a serious impact on my life and the lives of those around me. As well as being attentive, I have to be a respectful driver by giving sufficient space, yielding, and following rules.