Florida Teen Drivers

I
remember the first time I started driving. I practiced in the parking
lot of my high school in Indiana with my dad. I received my permit
when I was 15 and took a driving class that included driving lessons.
The importance of drivers ed can clearly be seen based on the
statistics of deaths from driving among states. I moved to Florida
when I was 17 and I could clearly see the difference of drivers among
the two states. Indiana requires all student drivers to take a live
drivers ed class and gives you driving lessons with an instructor. In
Florida, most teen drivers take an online course. The online course
does not seem to provide the same experience as a live class nor does
it offer the experience of actual driving lessons. The actual Florida
driving test for a license did not require me to parallel park, but
the one in Indiana requires that you do. It is very beneficial to
know how to parallel park and I feel like all drivers should know how
to do it. Based on how the drivers drive in Florida in comparison to
Indiana, it is scary. It is hard to tell if the difference in driver
education is to blame, but it would be terrifying if I had to learn
to drive in Florida. Having a good drivers ed and knowing the
rules of the road will help alleviate this fear especially on roads
that are busier than the ones of Indiana.

I
think drivers ed not only needs to emphasize the rules of
driving, but the severity of the amount of deaths that are caused. It
would be helpful if instructors and parents told new learners that it
is very dangerous driving and that they must try to do everything
they can to avoid an accident. I feel like this would help to reduce
the amount of deaths relating to driving. Certain states currently
have laws that make it illegal to text and drive. This law among
others also help reduce the amount of deaths related to driving.

I
have never experienced a family member or friend in an accident, but
I have seen them drive irresponsibly at times. One time I saw my
friend use her phone while driving to text and change the music. I
know that this was dangerous. All of my friends and I have a rule
that we have to put our phones in the back of the car if they are
gonna drive. This eliminates the urge to use it while driving. The
bluetooth feature in some cars is a great addition because it allows
you to call someone without having to use your phone.

Some
steps I take to be a better driver is making sure my mirrors are
correctly positioned before driving. I use my turn signals whenever I
am turning, going into another lane, or parallel parking. I do not
use my phone while I am driving. I would recommend new learning to
get a car that has a reverse camera and sensor because backing out
can be very challenging. A lot of new drivers are excited about the
freedom driving gives, but do not realize the danger that can come
with it. It is important to be safe and know the rules of the road to
ensure the safety of yourself and other drivers.