Drivers Education Initiative Award

As a driving teen I understand the need to teach this generation how dangerous driving is, and how we can make the road safer for us and others. Within this essay I will be answering 4 questions that highlight the importance of taking driving seriously, and how to go about educating people so that they become safe and confident drivers themselves.

The first question is; “What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving?” I feel that driver’s education is a wonderful way to learn from an experienced adult, and safer than going out on the road by yourself to learn. Often the cars that programs use have an extra brake that the instructor can use to prevent mistakes and accidents, and they have taken courses themselves to best know how to teach other people how to drive. I completed a drivers ed course over the summer of 2022, and not only did it help me feel more comfortable on the road, it helped me feel safer and more in control of my vehicle when driving. Since the course was taken with retired cops, I also got more comfortable with police officers which I think is also really important because then I can be level headed and respectful if I ever get pulled over. Safe and knowledgeable drivers lead to less mistakes and amateur decisions, and therefore less deaths.

Question number two is; “What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?” I think we should have classes open for not only teens and adults to take, but ones specifically for parents so they can learn how to effectively teach their driving teen(s). I think this would reduce stress for all parties involved, and create a calmer, more effective environment for learning how to drive. Going back to question one, I do think that a form of drivers ed should not only be provided but mandatory to complete before one is issued their license. I think these classes could be offered at the local DMV or online with an in-person portion to help people who learn differently get both the classroom and tactical experience.

Question three is; “Have you ever had an experience of being in a car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly?” I was in a car accident when I was about 8 years old and it was a very traumatic experience and a painful memory. I don’t need to go through the details of what happened but the worst part about it was that an older woman in the other car ended up dying because of complications from the accident. That showed me from a young age that you can’t mess around while driving because you put lives on the line when you do.

The final question is; “What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?” Because of my limited experience, I try not to drive if I’m ill and not thinking straight, if I’m exhausted, or if the weather conditions are such that it is unwise to drive on the roads (hail, ice on the roadway, or raining so hard you can’t see anything). Apart from that I recommend the top driving schools to anyone I meet that is thinking of taking a drivers ed course/anyone starting to learn how to drive. I can also be conscientious when I’m in the car with my sisters who are also learning how to drive, and be calm and alert to assist them while they’re driving as well. While actively driving on the road, I try to obey all the traffic rules and signs and not be aggressive towards the people around me.

I think that it’s very important to spread awareness about the dangers of driving as well as how to become a better driver, so there are less deaths and accidents while driving. I also think all teens and adults should be required to take a drivers ed class in addition to completing the required number of hours because operating a car is dangerous and puts many people at risk if the driver isn’t safe on the road. I’m continuing to learn in my driving journey, and I hope to become an even more confident and experienced driver and make others feel safe when they’re on the road with me.