Education Saves Lives

Drivers education is key in any climate as education prevents damages, injuries, and most importantly deaths. Educating drivers is the first of many steps towards a safer environment for everyone. The next steps should strengthen a driver’s responsibility, integrity, compassion, and awareness. I personally have experienced the repercussions of drivers that have not taken these steps, in late 2019 my friend was cut off by another vehicle and had a horrible crash. Experiences like these are the reasons that I take the steps to being a better driver for the sake of myself and my community.

The importance of drivers education comes in the form of prevented accidents. With education drivers can learn to maneuver, or avoid accidents where there could have been one. Courses would increase one’s motor skills as well as reaction time and critical thinking. A study done on the importance of critical thinking while driving showed that “drivers who had taken a driver’s ed course were involved in fewer crashes”. Critical thinking can increase one’s ability to calmly assess and get out of a stressful situation. It would also allow one to notice and avoid dangerous drivers. However one of the most important attributes drivers acquire is compassion and awareness of others. It is important that drivers are educated on driving “etiquette” so that they won’t annoy or stress others around them. Younger drivers should be especially targeted as “drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 are among those most likely to be involved in a car crash” and are key in creating generations of safe drivers.

Local governments are key in the development of new drivers, however they are often lacking in proper education. In many states drivers education isn’t even required, out of the top five worst states for fatal accidents four do not require drivers education (US Department of Transportation, and IIHS). In order to prevent needless deaths steps must be taken to ensure all drivers are educated. Governments should require a driver’s education completion certificate in order to begin the license process. DMVs should also encourage new drivers to be educated, they could do this by offering a reward or discount if presented with a driver’s education completion certificate. Another encouraging and beneficial practice would be offering a scholarship to those who excel in drivers education or who plan to have a career in drivers education. Steps towards a better community or learning facility may also allow students to feel better about driving. A healthy community would push more learners to pursue a safer driving style. A good quote to remember is that no matter what your state requires “Students will only benefit from the training and instruction a licensed driver education instructor provides.” (Drivers Ed).

I personally have many experiences with the repercussions of having uneducated and unwilling drivers. My first ever was the day my mother told me I couldn’t meet my grandmother because she’d been killed in a car accident before my mother turned 12. I didn’t understand the weight of the situation then, but I do now and I want to help others avoid the same fate. Though I only suspected accidents as a common occurrence for years of my life, until my best friend was involved in a serious accident. When a vehicle cut off the car she was in they caused the driver to swerve and flip, the driver was killed but my friend and her mother were hospitalized. Suddenly it was all real, my friend needed major surgeries and her mother had a life altering brain bleed. Ever since the day it happened I’ve been cautious and I’ve always made sure the people driving me were aware at all times. Despite the horrific accidents that took lives my father and friends often drive recklessly, distracted, or even intoxicated. However through education and consistent correcting they have begun to be more and more aware while driving. I cannot do this all on my own though, we all need to promote education and take steps to improve our own driving.

Steps to becoming a better driver can be taken by anyone, however those below the legal age of driving should start as soon as possible. It is very beneficial for drivers to start learning slowly and begin to speed up as time passes. Though many don’t know where to start, luckily your local DMV provides a multitude of resources. DMV’s provide pamphlets, a list of local driving instructors, and almost every answer you may have. When starting your journey you can call or visit your local DMV to find out where you can find an instructor or class so you can begin the process. While taking classes or learning try to identify and surround yourself with good drivers. Being able to identify an educated driver is an accomplishment in itself and surrounding yourself will further that growth. In some states multiple tests are required before you can get in the driver’s seat. Regardless if your state requires a test you should test yourself. During a test make note of the questions you miss so you can study them later. Once you’ve created a positive environment and have done your research, you start driving with a proper instructor. Again, you can find local driving instructors through your DMV if you are having difficulty doing so. Make sure you practice every action you are struggling with until you are comfortable. You should be able to complete the driving test and earn your license after completing all of these crucial steps. However you shouldn’t stop learning after you have your license, once you receive your license you are still responsible for your actions and being that good driver to others. Don’t forget to practice and stay up to date with your laws. You may no longer be a student, but you are always an example.

Drivers education is not just another class you take alongside english and math, but a guide to avoid becoming responsible for an accident. Education is a fundamental part of driving, and you don’t have to be in the driver’s seat to learn more about driving. DMVs supply pamphlets and databases of public information for you to take advantage of. Even just one step a day can save the lives of yourself and others. Education is the key to preventing death, especially when it comes to driving. Don’t cause an accident, be safe, be aware, and be educated.

Works Cited

“Does Taking A Driver’s Ed Course Reduce Car Crashes?” Auto-Related News, Trends, & Tips – I Drive Safely.

“Critical Thinking Skills – A Must.” TransDirectUSA, 14 Sept. 2018, transdirectusa.com/critical-thinking-skills-a-must/.

DriversEd.com. “Preparing to Become a New Driver: Which States Require Drivers Ed?” DriversEd.com.

“Driver Education Practices In Selected States.” Adtsea, U.S. Department of Transportation, July 2011, www.adtsea.org/webfiles/fnitools/documents/nhtsa-driver-ed-practices-selected-states-report.pdf.

“Fatality Facts 2019: State by State.” IIHS, www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-state.