Name: Emma Hamilton
From: Friendship, WI
Votes: 0
Safer Roads, Safer Communities
Driver
education is one of the most important steps that can be taken to
reduce the large number of deaths which are caused by vehicle
accidents each year. Education through licensing courses, as well as
promotional materials is one of the most effective ways to reach the
wide variety of people (ages 18-100…) that are driving today. This
type of outreach, as well as implementation of safety laws through
the federal court system, creates the awareness which ensure safer
roads for all people to drive on. When I took drivers ed, the
focus was placed on many different potential hazards on the road.
This course included hands on experiences and speakers that allowed
us to learn more about specific accidents, and even sit in a semi
truck to learn about blind spots. It was this education that prepared
me for my first experience on the road.
To begin reducing
the number of deaths related to driving, we can identify two main
factors which result in deadly car accidents. These factors include
cellphone use while driving, and the appropriate use of seat belt
restraints on drivers and passengers. While each age range of drivers
requires a different method of education, the need to prevent
accidents is prevalent through all. There are many ways to teach
drivers, but some include the use of billboards along roads, social
media advertisements, and driver safety awareness presentations
within schools. These advertisements can bring awareness to cases
such as deadly car accidents, as well as punishments by law. Slogans
such as “click it or ticket” have become common throughout high
schools, and while they may have become more of a joke for some
students, their prevalence cannot be ignored, as well as the
importance that comes with it.
In addition to this
education, it is important to create an awareness on the dangers of
driving under the influence. While I have not personally been in a
car accident, I am aware that the number of deaths in results of
drunk driving are abundant. Self responsibility is something that can
not be taught directly in schools or through drivers ed
courses, but must be implemented by parental guidance throughout
one’s youth. This issue has become prevalent to myself and others,
and is one of the most important pieces of consideration when
defensive driving.
In order to be a
better driver, I can work to set an example for others. Simple
actions such as wearing my seatbelt, and following the speed limit,
are actions that can be used to show the importance of safe driving.
Additionally, taking extra precautions such as driving slow in the
winter or obeying a GDL can ensure my own safety as well as the
safety of others on the road. These practices are what have been
taught to me, and should continue to be taught to all new drivers.
With the goal of reducing deaths resulting from unsafe driving
practices, we can all work together to make safer roads.
