Drivers Ed Outside the Classroom

While
sitting in Drivers Ed classroom at 7:00am on a Monday morning
during summer vacation, I didn’t know how much what I was learning
would impact my life. What I didn’t know then was that a year and a
half later, I’d value all the lessons my teacher had shared with me
after my first, and hopefully last, car accident.

Driver’s
Ed seemed like a chore and all I wanted to do was sleep in but, in
hindsight, I realize the impact it’s made on me and on my driving.
During our morning lessons, my teacher explained to the class why
some accidents were so deadly, while others were minor fender
benders. He showed us how these accidents could affect not only the
driver, but the passengers as well, making sure that we all knew the
dangers of the road. He didn’t try to “scare us straight,” like
so many others did. Instead, he showed us examples and explained all
the factors that contributed to the accident. We then discussed what
steps could have been taken to prevent the crash. We analyzed which
car had the right of way and which car was the cause of the
collision. Looking back, I realize that all of these lessons taught
me good decision making and gave me an understanding of, not only the
rules of the road, but the dangers of it as well.

As
helpful as these lessons were, they (unfortunately) didn’t prevent
my crash during the first semester or my senior year. I made a left
turn on a yellow light, thinking that the other car was slowing down
to stop at the light. The other driver didn’t realize that I was
turning and we collided. Thankfully nobody was hurt (neither of us
had passengers in our cars) and the driver of the other car was
understanding of the fact that it was a misjudgement on both of our
parts.

The
accident was fairly minor, but it caused me to reflect on the lessons
my teacher shared with me the year before. Had he not taught us the
importance of wearing a seatbelt, keeping music at a low volume and
being cautious whenever we’re on the road, the accident could have
been much more serious than it was.

Without
Drivers ed, I know a lot more accidents (and more serious
ones) would occur. Thankfully, we are taught skills that encourage
good decision making and are supported by our educators to be the
best drivers we can be. Without Drivers Ed, there would be more
fatal accidents. In order to decrease these, I believe that there
should be a mandatory course for everyone in every state, not just
the 32 states that currently require it. What I’ve learned in this
class has helped me become a safer, more careful driver and I know
that, as I gain experience on the road, I will only continue to
improve.