In the Driver’s Seat

Driver education in our country is extremely important. Not only does education teach people the rules of the road, but with more educated drivers on the roads there would be fewer deaths where driving was the cause. Every year there is an insane amount of driving related deaths, on average 34,000 (Dmvedu.org, 2022). Driver education teaches early drivers many things. It not only teaches rules, but it also includes how to behave behind the wheel and defensive driving techniques. Looking back on when I took drivers education, I was taught not only to stop at stop signs and red lights, but how far back to start braking, to look in all my mirrors before changing lanes and to be aware of my surroundings while driving.

There are many steps a person can take to reduce their chances of being in a deadly car accident. First, seatbelts. Seatbelts are particularly important to reducing a person’s chance of being ejected from the vehicle during an accident. Second, driving the speed limit. Speed limits are set for a reason, it is the fastest speed one should travel down the road. Plus, speeding reduces a person’s reaction time when seconds matter on the road. Third, always be aware of where the vehicle is at in relation to the cars on the road. This means checking mirrors and blind spots and being aware of one’s own speed and limitations. Fourth, one should always be focused on driving and not doing anything else while driving. Too many people do other things while driving and it is impossible to do two or more things at one time and still give both (or more tasks) one’s full attention. I have watched people talk on their cell phone, text, do their makeup, and so much more while driving. When people are doing those things, their attention is not fully on the road and others around them. And the last step I want to point out is people need to be aware of the way they drive in hazardous road conditions. If the weather is bad, one should not drive unless it is necessary.

I have been in a car accident that was a result of my friend’s and my irresponsibility. I allowed my friend who did not have a license drive my car and she began to goof off behind the wheel. We were on a dirt road, and she began weaving and lost control. Because she had not taken a driver’s education class, she slammed on the breaks. We began to slide and eventually the car was sideways about to rollover. The back end hit a tree which ended up saving us from rolling into a fifteen-foot ravine. That had she taken a driver’s education course, she would have been more prepared for being behind the wheel. Another accident I have been in was when I was younger. My father was driving, and a herd of deer ran out in front of us. Due to my father’s quick action behind the wheel, we were able to miss all but the hind end of the last deer. We were able to walk away with no injuries and only minor damage to our vehicle.

One of the first steps I take to be a better and safer driver is to always make sure I wear my seatbelt. It is the first thing I do after turning on my vehicle. I then adjust all my mirrors, if necessary. Another step I take is to always check my mirrors and blind spots before I switch lanes on the highway. This allows me to be more aware of the vehicles around me. One last step I can take to be a better and safer driver is to not use my cell phone at any time while I am driving or eat while driving. If I need to use my phone, I will pull over into the nearest parking lot (or onto the shoulder and put my flashers on) and make a phone call. Texting is not an option until I arrive at my destination. This will allow me to have my full attention on the road. If I am on a trip and order takeout from a fast-food restaurant (lately restaurants of this type do not have indoor dining available because of COVID-19), I will find a place to park and eat in the car. Ways that I can help others be safer drivers are to lead by example. When others get in my car, I always make them put on their seatbelts before the car moves. When I am a passenger in other people’s vehicles, I will always wear my seatbelt.

Driver education is important for all drivers because it teaches not only the skills and behaviors to exhibit while driving, but also techniques to do to help avoid accidents. Driver’s education should be available to all before they are allowed to receive a driver’s license.

References

DmvEdu.org (2022). Retrieved from: https://www.dmvedu.org/scholarship/