2021 Drivers Ed Essay Contest

Driving is something that should only be done with the proper education and always done in a safe environment. Driving is crucial and something that most people do daily, so this means that this should be a highly trained area where people can be as confident as possible. It is extremely important to be a safe and educated driver on the road.

The importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths related to driving is extremely important. Driver education is something that should not be taken lightly or done quickly. The root of this issue starts with young drivers, drivers that have not been educated are twenty-four percent more likely to be involved in a fatal crash or injury accident and sixteen more percent likely to have an accident, according to a study done at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. These are big percentages that can be reduced with being properly educated in driving. It is extremely important to act in prevention and do driver education to help lower these percentages and to create safer, more educated roads. It ultimately comes down to saving lives and doing all that one can do to save lives.

Many simple steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. For example, simply obey the traffic laws, avoid distractions to become a better defensive driver, and stay clear of alcohol. Simply not running the red light because you’re in a hurry or not looking at your phone while driving are very easy steps that can be taken to reduce deaths related to driving. As a driver, you can not be responsible for what someone else is doing, but you can be a good defensive driver by paying close attention and always being aware of other drivers around you. Never getting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle while intoxicated is also an extremely easy choice to make. There are so many other safe choices to make by riding with someone who is not intoxicated, calling someone to pick you up, or using a driving service to get you home safely. All of these simple steps can help to reduce the number of deaths related to driving.

I have had the experience of a loved one being in a car accident and it could have been easily prevented from happening. My dad and sister were coming to pick me up after school and were turning onto a street and someone was driving on the shoulder and hit my dad. The other vehicle was totaled and my dad’s vehicle would have too if it would not have been for him being in a truck that sat up taller. This accident would have been easily preventable if the other driver would have never been riding on the shoulder, which is a simple traffic law. This specific incident is just one of the many that take place daily that are easily preventable by using the knowledge that you receive in drivers’ education.

There are steps that I can take to become a better and safer driver. For instance, I can constantly be refreshing myself on different laws and signs put into place to keep my awareness high. I can become a better defensive driver by looking out for situations that look unsafe or worrisome. I can also help others by asking simple questions such as; if they feel confident in their driving, if they have had the proper education, or if they are hesitant to drive for any reason. I can also consistently remind others of simple rules that one may forget or were always not as confident in from when they first started driving. I also think that something else that would help drivers become safer on the road is practice. The more you practice with anything the better that you get with it. For example, going somewhere not very crowded with someone educated and doing repetition of different skills. Consistent practice is something that everyone should be doing until confident with a given route to be a better and safer driver.

Overall, many simple steps can be taken to reduce deaths and accidents on the road. Having the proper education, being a defensive driver, refreshing laws, taking simple steps, and consistent practice are just a few of the many things that can help reduce these risks. Especially in younger drivers that have not been on the road for a long time, and may lack in certain areas that can be improved upon to help potentially save lives.