Drivers Safety

Driver education is extremely significant in reducing the number of deaths related to driving. This course teaches green drivers how to be as safe as possible in an extremely dangerous world. Being involved in this required course is an equalizer for all students. Driver’s education strives to produce safe and responsible students into the world of driving, as well as protect and prevent existing drivers from dangerous situations. Almost everyone drives or relies on someone to drive. Technology can be used for doctor’s visits, to attend classes, to order groceries, and to have meals delivered, but learning how to drive is milestone for the majority. Transportation is a necessity for everyone and can be exciting and life-changing. This course is the introduction to a lifetime of independence, mobility, and freedom.

Though driving does provide independence, mobility, and freedom, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving, such as enforcement, education, and advertising. Enforcing existing laws and regulations would reduce the number of people on the road who put themselves and others at risk. Every day on the road there are encounters with drunk drivers, speeders, people not wearing seatbelts, not to mention those who cannot leave their phones alone while in the car. Increasing the regulation of these infractions would protect many from experiencing bump ups, wrecks, and fatalities. Education can also help protect lives. It is important to teach drivers, both young and old, the correct way to drive before getting on the road with others. Unfortunately, even with the required driver’s education course, many drivers do not know the rules of the road. Requiring more hours with a trained driver prior to receiving a permit or license could help educate inexperienced drivers about these rules and keep everyone safer. Additionally, advertising can help reduce driving related deaths because the more people that know and see the risks of driving unsafely, the more people that will be saved from a mistake or an unfortunate situation.

The past few months, I have been a much safer and more cautious driver. I force myself to give my complete attention and focus to the road and the cars around me, as well as my own driver safety. I force myself to cut down the music, check my mirrors, and watch my speed. This change sparked from a situation that happened a few months ago. On June 14^th, 2021 at 7:42 in the morning, I got the call. My boyfriend had been in a wreck. I went directly to the scene and could hardly park within half a mile of the wreck because of the ambulances and police cars on the scene. When I finally got to my boyfriend, he was sitting in the back of an ambulance, his car completely totaled on the other side of the road. The SUV that had hit him was lying in a ditch, the woman driving stuck inside. Thankfully, everyone walked away from the wreck, without too much physical damage, but with loads of trauma. This wreck could have easily been avoided had safe driving techniques been used, like looking both ways and being completely focused. The SUV driver was at fault even though she was an older and more experienced driver. The failure to pay attention to details and stay focused can happen to a driver of any age. Mistakes can happen which proves what an equalizer driving is. No matter your gender, age, or education level, all drivers are equal on the highway. This event has heavily influenced the way that I drive.

In 2003, my first cousin was killed in an automobile accident. Less than two miles from his home, he ran slightly off the road, hit a tree, and died instantly. Speed was not a factor. Drinking was not a factor. Texting was not a factor. This shows how dangerous driving can be and how important it is to fully prepare young students for the dangers of the road because sometimes, even when you do everything right, driving is life or death. Because of this accident, my life has been quite different. I never got to meet my cousin but I have seen the impact that his death had on my entire family. It directly impacted the way that my parents felt about me driving when I got my license. One move on the road can be the difference between making it home or never seeing your family again.

There are many steps that can be taken to be a better and safer driver. Learning about safe driving techniques is important, but putting them to use is just as important. Being attentive, watching your speed, looking in the mirrors, and cutting out distractions are a few of safety techniques that can help each driver be a safe one. Taking driver education and working hard to excel in and out of the course is the first major step for being a safe driver. Putting away the phone for calls and texts is important to road safety. It is also important to help others be safe on the road. Informing other people and spreading awareness about the risks of unsafe driving can help everybody stay safe on the roads. In addition, advertising driver education and other safe driving programs can only reduce the risk of driving and provide a safer and more responsible environment for everybody.