Drivers ed Initiative 2020: In the Driver’s Seat

Kaylee
Norris

2
February 2020

Driver
Education Initiative 2020: In the Driver’s Seat

Whether
you have been in a car accident or not, doesn’t change the
importance of drivers ed. As a new driver, taking these
classes will help prepare you to drive, to think about reaction
times, how distractions can impact your driving drastically, and so
much more. These classes will give people insight for the
understanding of driving and its’ possible effects. These classes
can also give newer drivers a better look at the statistics of deaths
and how likely it is to get in a crash, especially the first year
after obtaining a license. However, some people begin to feel too
comfortable with driving, and insist that they can multitask. After
having been in an accident, a lot will go through your mind, and you
instantly realize that you were wrong when it comes to driving with
distractions. Taking these classes can help inform drivers, as well
as hopefully preventing them from making the same mistakes.

A
number of regulations could be added to decrease the possible number
of car accident deaths. Some suggested regulations would be to
enforce a stricter policy against usage of phone, smoking, music, and
being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Although there are
some laws regarding these, I believe more could be enforced to ensure
the safety of drivers, and to ultimately reduce distractions and
deaths.

During
my first year of being a new driver, I got into a car accident. Three
months after my license I was overly comfortable with driving and
multitasking. However, I was distracted on my phone and rear ended
someone. Although no one was hurt, it was a very scary incident, in
which everything flashed before me eyes. This accident scared me and
I now get anxious driving, whether it’s by myself or in someone
else’s car. I definitely learned my lesson and have been extremely
better at waiting to arrive to my destination before using my phone
or other distractors. I have also been in the car multiple times with
many different people who drove irresponsibly. When I am in this
situation, I tend to get very anxious about crashing and whether or
not the driver is in control of the car.

Steps
I can take to be a better driver include notifying others I will be
busy driving and won’t be able to answer, or putting my phone on
‘do not disturb’ mode when driving. I tend to be very impatient,
however this is not an excuse to tailgating behind another car. A car
accident is not worth the risk of trying to drive faster or get to
your destination sooner. I think sharing your experiences with
friends and family, as well as giving them tips can help push people
in the right direction to safer driving.