Drivers Education can save lives

Everyone remembers their first driving lesson, it is a memory which everyone enjoys to think about as it was one of the first times where we understood real responsibility. Whether it was with a parent, family member or with an instructor the feelings were always mixed; excited but nervous, satisfied and glad as we all felt that we finally got to be more mature, got wiser and learned the responsibilities of a great driver. But although all the positive feelings that we have unfortunately many young beginner drivers’ lack of experience and wisdom often leads them to wrong decision making which causes accidents, some of them are often deadly.

Driver education is crucial in the driving journey of every person, it not only helps reduce the number of driving accidents and deaths but also helps in the development of the driver mindset in young drivers’ minds. It guides young drivers to understand what to avoid while driving, what to look for under special weather circumstances and how open-minded a driver should be in order to not pose a threat to others but also in order to help himself/herself become the best driver he/she can be. I believe that in order to reduce the number of deaths related to driving there should be at least 30 hours of classroom time where the students will be taught the basics of driving, useful skills that might be needed on the road (example: changing a tyre, calling 911, changing oils), effects of driving under the influence and the negatives of driving. These can be taught by not just teachers but also with video documentaries which share cases of young drivers’ accidents while explaining their story and their/their family’s advice after the accident. During the classes there should be a huge focus on how driving is a privilege and not a right.

Also at least 12 hours of behind the wheel lessons with an instructor would be very effective as the student driver gets to learn, drive, ask questions and test his/her critical thinking and reactions under different driving circumstances. I remember specifically one of my behind the wheel lessons in which I had a great instructor. He explained to me how to calculate in my head the distance between me and other cars, how to perfect backwards reverse driving and parallel parking as well as understanding when to give the right of way to other drivers. He also gave me a lot of confidence in my skills and encouraged me to relax as this will help me in all driving scenarios in the future.

When it comes to driving, I personally have not been in a car accident as I try my best to drive maturity and carefully, respecting the laws and rules of driving, while also enjoying the process of gaining experience. There has been a time though that I came near to a crash because the driver across me tried to enter a driveway crossing two different direction lanes under traffic. He did not notice me and we almost crashed but thankfully, I was able to brake before we hit each other. This was an event which gave me experience in order to know what to notice and be careful about every time I pass that road. I have seen my friend driving irresponsibly from time to time which is something I disagree with as it puts both his/her and others life in danger but also his/her driving privileges in danger. One time he/she was driving over the speed limit, a car tried to enter the road from a parking lot and ended up T-boning him/her. Even though my friend was not at fault, the crash could have been prevented if he was going the speed limit as he/she could possibly slow down so the other car could join the road safely.

I think one of the most significant steps which everyone should take in order to be a better driver is to relax; panicking will not do any good for both the driver and the other drivers around him/her including pedestrians. By being relaxed people naturally have better reaction times and a clear mind which leads them to better and wiser decisions in cases of danger. Even though it has been said a lot of times I would repeat and encourage to drive responsibly. Follow the traffic rules and laws which means driving carefully, watching the speed limit, respecting the right of way and being patient with other drivers. A police officer will pull you over only if you disrespect yours and others safety. By following these steps the roads become safer, less risky which leads to lower numbers of accidents, reducing the number of annual deaths from car accidents and making the driving experience a safe and fun environment for both new and experienced drivers.