Drivers Ed

Have you ever thought of how important drivers ed is? The never-ending debate, and the two sides. Those who have been affected by uneducated drivers, and those who have not. Driver’s Ed is one of the most important, but least, talked about topics among the younger generations. It is because of this unfortunately that death by auto accident is one of the leading in the country.

Many teen drivers are never taught the importance of driving. Therefore, they have unrealistic expectations of what it truly means to be a safe driver. Many think that all adults mean by safe driving is not texting or using the phone. Although that is a huge and very important part, other important parts are following traffic laws, making safe driving choices like speed they go and wearing seatbelts, not doing things that put others in danger.

Safe and educated driving is important to end the number of fatal auto accidents. A way to lead to this is by including driver’s ed in all high schools. Educating younger drivers is the start to safe roads. I, along with many of my friends were truly unaware of the responsibility driving truly is. Many do not think about it but safe driving is not just for ourselves, it’s also for the others who drive along side of us. Teaching drivers about this from the start would be crucial.

I have never been in a car accident myself. However, I am a 911 dispatcher and have an unfortunate amount of experience with fatal accidents, and even non-fatal. Most of the time these events were fueled by irresponsible and out of control drivers. The volume of calls we receive daily about auto accidents that could have been prevented by safe and educated driving is huge. Many irresponsible drivers think that because they got away with that driving once, they will get away with it again. It never crosses their minds that they may end other people’s lives and take away families loved ones by their driving.

Something that is not talked about enough with drivers of all ages is driving under the influence. This does not just mean driving drunk, this means under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and anything that might alter one’s ability to think and decision make properly. There is always excuses like “the drive is not that far” or “I’m not that drunk.” Although that is true most accidents, fatal accidents, happen withing 5 minuets from where you are leaving or going. This is something not many people know. Let alone the consequences that come from driving under the influence. It is just not worth it, get an uber or a taxi.

Safe driving starts with all of us. The choice to become safer drivers is an individual and a group effort. Its not just about not being caught by an officer that makes us good drivers. Its about making the right choice every time we step in a vehicle to understand the responsibility of driving.

A way to do this is to have free classes that are engaging and fun to teach the importance of safeness. Something I believe is done too much is making people feel like they are not allowed to do something while driving, like it is a rule. Many people only do things just to go against what they are being told. When you allow someone to make their own, educated, choice they are more likely to choose the right choice.

Safe driving, and educated driving, is possible. It all starts with one small step that turns into many big steps that counts. Starting with those who are beginning and those who may not have always made the right choices. Continuing to teach people what safe driving techniques are, helping them understand the expectations and responsibility. Having affordable options of classes that will help those drivers who want to learn. Many teenagers are unable to go to drivers ed and things that may help their driving because their parents cannot afford it. Free classes would be a huge game changer for those teenagers. Many parents may not have the time to teach their children how to safely driver.

Free drivers’ classes should be an option open to all. More traffic involved officer stop should also be considered. While I know it can be nearly impossible for many stations to afford extra amounts of help. Many people will only be safe and good drivers when they know getting a ticket is on their radar.