What Needs to be Done to Improve Driving

Car crashes, one of the leading causes of death within the U.S. it is estimated that at least 77% of people have had at least one car crash in their lifetime. This is most common with new drivers ranging for the ages of 17- 29. This is why driver education is of utmost importance. It provides the necessary skills needed to operate motor vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities. Even so many steps can still be taken to reduce driving related accidents.

In drivers education, individuals learn the basics to driving such as vehicle control, traffic laws and regulations, and safe driving practices. The knowledge is essential to those who want to maneuver through traffic-filled roads safely, avoid dangerous situations, and make quick informed decisions while behind the wheel. Drivers ED also creates this culture of sage driving by how much the course emphasizes the importance of safe driving. However drivers education alone has proven to not be enough.

Additional steps I believe that should be taken are, one improving road infrastructure. Many times accidents are caused by poorly maintained roads and the environment surrounding it. By building safer to use roads with well-designed intersections, traffic lights, and road signs it will be easier for people to gather the surrounding information and have an easier time maneuvering the streets. Two the implementation of stricter road laws that penalize dangerous driving habits. Having first time offenders go through mandatory education programs and higher fees for tickets will increase anyones desire to disobey the law. Three governments should prompt the use of advancing safety technology such as automatic emergency brakes, lane departure warning systems, and blind-spot monitoring systems to make driving that much safer. Lasty more encouragement through social media platforms to implement better driving habits like using do not disturb while driving and that drivers use car equipment such as seat belts properly.

While I personally have never been in a car accident I have witnessed my sister crash a car twice within the span of three years. She was from the beginning a very irresponsible driver; many online drivers ed courses are easy to pass with the internet existing allowing students to search up answers leading to the lack of engagement and effort put in. She crashed the brand new car my parents got her after 9 months of driving. My family was devastated. We were thankful no harm was done to her, only a mild whiplash and some broken glass stuck in her arm. Even though she had lost her car and ability to drive for the next few months once she was back on the road she still had the same irresponsible habits. She was often distracted by friends with her in the car and seemed to always be checking her phone. She drove with confidence as if she were the most experienced driver to exist. She later would crash once again this time with a car she had bought with her own paycheck. Once her car was out of commission that’s when I saw it hit her the reality of her situation. When my parents were paying the bills she couldn’t care any less but now that she had to pay out of her pocket for the damage caused, that’s when she decided to change some habits.

As someone who is still in the process of getting my license I plan on implementing good habits from the very beginning. I have made sure when taking drivers ed to put careful attention to what each unit of the course has to teach. There is a reason for learning about it so I will also make sure to apply what I learn from my driving lessons into my own driving sessions. Practice practice practice: the more time I have behind the wheel the more comfortable I will get when presented with all the different kinds of driving situations one can find themselves in. I will start off with simple tasks and gradually increase to all the complex tasks such as merging on a highway or driving in inclement weather. I will not rush the practice process; one can only get better with time. Lastly, I will avoid distractions at all costs. This includes my phone, attempting to eat and drive, loud and obnoxious passengers and many more. This will possibly be the most difficult task but it is what has led to both of my sisters’ accidents. In conclusion, to become a safer driver it will be a combination of taking the proper education, practicing the proper way, and avoiding bad habits.