Fundamentals of driver’s education

Did you know young drivers who have not completed driver’s education are 24 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident and 16 percent more likely to have an accident? This statistic supports how significant driver’s education can be at preparing and keeping young drivers safe. It teaches teens the knowledge, skills, and attitude needed for vehicle safety both as a driver and pedestrian. Most importantly, driver education can teach students steps for being better and safer drivers, encourage students how to respond in situations with friends and family who are irresponsible drivers, and instill steps in students that can be taken to reduce the number of driving-related deaths.

A few steps that can be taken to be a safe driver on the road include taking your time and pacing yourself. Taking your time and pacing yourself means to be calm while driving, avoiding road rage, and taking the time to observe your surroundings while driving. Another example of being safe on the road is using your blinker while driving. This helps other drivers know what your next move is so they can prepare themselves. When you do not use your blinker, your chances of getting rear-ended or causing another accident with other cars increase dramatically. It is a small act that can have monumental consequences. 

I personally experience family members driving irresponsibly all the time. For example, my mom has a habit of being on the phone while driving. I know it is not safe so I will mention it to her, and she will reply by saying she is experienced. Another option one can take is to drive yourself if you have your license or ride with another person that you trust. No matter how many years of driving experience a person may have, it does not prevent the risk of getting into a car accident when there is an irresponsible driver behind the wheel.  

A few steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving are wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions, following traffic laws, and steering clear of alcohol or drugs. Wearing a seatbelt while in a car protects you from the impact of an accident. Avoiding distractions like cellphones and non-critical items is imperative to safety so that you are more focused on the road and your surroundings. Following traffic laws, such as never running red lights and always driving within the speed limit, are fundamental because they are designed to help regulate the flow of traffic. Staying away from alcohol or drugs while driving can lower the risk of being involved in an accident because they are known to cause blurry vision and drowsiness.

In conclusion, driver’s education is important because it teaches students how to be safe drivers, how to handle situations with irresponsible drivers, and ultimately how to reduce the number of driving-related deaths. Due to what it teaches you, driver’s education should be required for all young drivers to keep everyone safe.