Importance of Driver Education

The best route to ensure maximum safety while operating a motor vehicle is to be an educated driver. Being educated about road laws and not practicing distracted driving will give you and those around you the safest environment possible. It is a tragedy that so many people of all ages die from car accidents. Accidents are preventable if drivers drive with safe driving etiquette. For instance, a driving strategy called “defensive driving” is what I commonly use as I operate my vehicle. The idea consists of reacting to what other drivers do in a defensive manner rather than offensive. Instead of getting road rage from a driver cutting you off, slow down and gain some distance between their bumper and your fender. A benefit of this strategy is that it maintains a clear mind for the defensive driver. A clear mind not clouded by rage is much easier to work in when driving. While driving, it is of the utmost importance to be of a clear mindset because rational decision-making is needed to keep everyone safe around you. Proper driver education is crucial to keeping everyone safe; It is monumental to instruct everyone on correct driving habits that they must continue. I feel that indirect lessons of proper driving procedures directed towards the youth would be most beneficial. Most teenagers that first get their license are more likely than older people to do unsafe events with motor vehicles. This roots from teenagers wanting to impress their friends by doing motor stunts, which puts other drivers’ lives in danger in some instances. This flaunting of newfound adult responsibility is ridiculous because most teenagers do not realize the gravity of the situation that comes with improperly handling a motor vehicle. If more information is available to teenagers regarding the consequences of their dangerous stunts, most teenagers would be giving it a second thought before doing anything dangerous. This effect also applies to older adults who are still attracted to the concept of impressing their friends with their motor skills. Regardless of skill level, the driver conducting these maneuvers is unaware of the risk they are creating. It is a foolish action to treat a vehicle as a toy that is capable of great devastation. I have only ever been in one car accident caused by one of my brothers. I was only eight years old, and he was driving my siblings and me to school in the morning. It was incredibly humid, so the windshield had condensed an incredible amount. Despite my other brother’s warnings, my eldest brother continued driving without being able to see through the windshield. While he was not slowing down, he was also tinkering with the windshield wiper controls. He was distractedly operating a motor vehicle with limited visibility. My other brother continuously tried instructing him to stop and wipe off the windshield or stop so that they could figure out the windshield wipers. Regardless of what his brother said, my eldest brother was determined to continue driving. This ill-advised decision ended with the vehicle hitting a tree after we ran off the road. After making sure everyone was safe and healthy, my brothers began quarreling as we had to go back home and get our mother to drive us to school. I distinctly remember that day because it helps guide me towards what actions to avoid while driving. I can use this memory as one of my many guides as I make sure that I keep myself and others safe. I help myself become a better driver by actively trying to be as vigilant as possible anytime I am driving. If I try to be increasingly aware and educated on the roadways, I will be a safer driver than I was before. Being a safer driver will protect me and others around me from a horrific incident. I could inform other drivers to practice the same habits in an attempt to improve their safety standards. It is pivotal that all drivers practice the same safety procedures anytime they embark on a journey in a motor vehicle. Other drivers and I can make conscious steps towards increasing our understanding of road rules. This action will prove to be beneficial to ensuring the safety of everyone on the roadway if everyone that is driving is aware of the rules that dictate how they should correctly use a vehicle. Being educated is paramount to preventing unnecessary deaths from motor accidents because more education will help protect drivers from making ill decisions as they are driving anywhere. I hope that no one is ever harshly affected by an unfortunate motor accident throughout their lifetime.