Driver’s Education

As someone who has only been driving for less than two years, I believe that there is an importance for driver’s education. I was fortunate to take driving lessons in addition to the mandatory driver’s education requirements. I feel that each aspect has taught me how to be a safer driver. Many young drivers do not complete driver’s education and are more likely to get a traffic ticket or be involved in a fatal or injury accident. It is extremely important that they do complete it because teen crashes and fatality rates are highest between 16-18 years of age.

There are many steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving. With each person lost, dozens of other lives are changed forever. In an instant happily married men and women become widows and widowers, parents lose their children, lifelong friendships and partnerships come to a painful end. Many of these tragedies can be prevented using the skills learned from Driver’s education.

Always insist that all passengers buckle up in every seat, this will reduce the risk of death and injury. Never get behind the wheel if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs. Always err on the side of caution, keeping in mind that even one drink can compromise your judgement behind the wheel. Even prescribed medication by a doctor can also be impairing. One should even when it may inconvenient, use a designated driver to ensure that you and others arrive safely at your destinations. Never think that being on time for a business meeting or social engagement is worth risking your life and safety and that of others. Always drive at a speed that is manageable but not over the state limit. Drivers need to consider road conditions while operating a vehicle.

Individuals should never overestimate their ability to multitask. If you think a text message or phone call might be too important to wait, get off the road and bring your car to a full and safe stop. Some studies have shown that hands-free deices are not completely safe and is a form of distraction. When driving a vehicle, you should remember that when it comes to distracted driving the cell phone is not the only culprit. Distractions such as eating and changing the radio dial can also take your eyes and mind off the road. Drivers should not fall prey to the belief that it can never happen to them. When driving, making safety not just your top priority, but it should be your only concern.

In my short time operating a motor vehicle, I have been fortunate enough to say that I have not been in any accidents as a driver or passenger. My parents have been in car accidents and thankfully they were able to walk away without injury. When I talk to my parents about being a safer driver, they always say put my focus on the road and to not be distracted by anything else because it could cost my life.

There are several steps that can be taken to be a better driver. Drivers should forget about their phones, this is one of the simplest but yet most important things to do to improve the safety of yourself, passengers and others on the road. Preferring to text is no better. Sending a text message may seem simple, but it causes you to lose focus on the task at hand. Even if fully stopped while vehicle is running, just keep the phone out of reach and pay attention to what is happening around you as it pertains to the road.

It’s also important to keep your vehicle in good condition. All repairs aren’t cheap, but investing in the appropriate routine check-ups for your tires, brakes, lights, wipers and anything else indicated in owner’s manual. Your best defense in a crash is the seatbelt that should be worn. No matter how short or far you are driving or whether passengers are in the front or back seat, every single person in the car should be wearing a seatbelt at all times.

Only driving when well rested is a good rule to live by. Getting behind the wheel when exhausted is extremely dangerous. Sleep deprivation can have the same effect on your body as drinking alcohol, making it difficult to pay attention and make fast decisions. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, it’s never a good idea to get to close as a sudden stop by the vehicle ahead could cause an accident. Maintain a safe distance around your vehicle so you can see everything going on around you and that you have room to act quickly.

The final and probably the most important point is that you minimize all distractions. Cell phone use, changing the radio dial or eating and drinking should be avoided while operating a vehicle. When you are in the driver’s seat, focus all your attention on the task at hand. If one does demonstrate a level of concentration to what is happening around them it could have a terrible ending if something were to go wrong.