The Importance of Drivers ed

Driver’s
education helps dramatically decrease the number of deaths in
driving-related accidents. When a new driver takes a drivers ed
course it teaches them the ins and outs of driving laws and safe
driving for their state. When a driver possesses this type of
knowledge, they are more likely to practice safe driving techniques
often, and they are more likely to be able to maneuver themselves out
of an accident. A study conducted in 2015 with 150,000 teen drivers,
over eight years, found that taking drivers ed greatly reduces
crashes among new drivers. Young drivers who have not completed a
drivers ed course are 24% more likely to be involved in a
fatal or injury accident and 16% more likely to have an accident.
With the knowledge that you gain from taking a drivers ed
course, one can save lives because one knows the proper way to drive
and maneuver themselves out of an accident.

Drivers
can take multiple steps to reduce the number of deaths on the road.
Drivers must make sure they are constantly aware of their
surroundings while driving. To make sure that one is aware people
need to shut off all distractions, put phones down and focus. Young
drivers especially need to do this. By putting away their phones and
not focusing on conversations when driving friends or family they can
prevent injurious and fatal accidents on the road. People also need
to be aware of the speed of which they are driving, especially in
residential areas where children may be present. By doing this a
driver reduces the risk of hitting a person or needing to slam on
their breaks to prevent themselves from hitting a stopped car in
front of them. That also means one must keep a safe following
distance behind cars, by doing this it will help prevent rear-end
collisions and death due to accidents.

Luckily,
I have never been in a car crash of any sort, but I have witnessed
family members driving irresponsibly. By this, I mean speeding or
running a yellow/red light. I’ve only witnessed this on a few
occasions, but they are still dangerous habits to form and can cause
life-altering accidents.

Personally,
I can take many steps to be a better and safer driver on the road. I
can make sure I keep clear of all distractions, including my cell
phone, I can do this by turning my phone on do not disturb, and I can
make sure I don’t make talking to others my top priority while
driving. To help my family or friends be better drivers I can make
sure that I don’t distract them by showing them things or making
too much conversation when in the car, so they can focus on the road
and their surroundings.

Every
driver needs to do their part and practice safe driving habits to
make the road a better place for all drivers.