Stopped Dead

For many important
reasons, I highly recommend that people take drivers ed. When
they do so, they gain a fuller understanding of the rules and risks
of the road. They are taught how to drive in adverse weather
conditions. Drivers learn rules that aren’t just common sense. In
fact, the rules may not make sense, but they can save lives. Drivers
ed students learn evasive maneuvers and how to respond in emergency
situations. Drivers ed helps prevent drivers from becoming
negative statistics. Students who take drivers ed classes have much
more vital experience behind the wheel than do people who simply
learn enough to pass the test.

There are several steps
that can be taken to reduce the number of driving-related deaths. For
one, the police could more strictly enforce safety belt and
distracted driving laws. Also, knowledge of correct seat belt and
driving positions could be made more widespread. In addition, vehicle
manufacturers could be required to make advanced safety features
standard on all vehicles. Lastly, drivers ed could be made
more affordable.

The most serious accident
I can remember being in is when a dually pick-up truck backed into my
dad’s Ford Escape. However, that was a relatively minor accident.
Tragically, my cousin’s sister-in-law was
killed in a car accident. She was stopped at an intersection when a
distracted driver who was texting struck her vehicle. She was killed,
and even more horrifying is that she was pregnant. Her daughter and
boyfriend now have to bear this loss for the rest of their lives.

To make the road a safer
place, we could all put our phones away. Even if you don’t look at
your phone when using it, your mind is still distracted. Also, people
should never drink and drive, and they should never drive when
they’re high. We could share more “drive safe” content on our
social media as well. Parents need to set good driving examples for
their teens. If we are with friends or family who are driving
irresponsibly, we can advise them. Road safety is everyone’s
responsibility, not just the driver’s.