Name: Aryana Markowski
From: Bohemia , NY
Votes: 0
Driver
Education is an important component of an adolescent’s education in
high school. In order to be a successful new driver one needs to not
only have experience behind the wheel practicing to drive, but also
an understanding of laws and safety. I appreciated my own experience
attending drivers ed last year at my high school. The many
lectures, films and guest speakers we had really made me aware of the
responsibility I have as a driver. At times I felt scared about his
huge responsibility I was taking on as a new driver. Hearing from
people who didn’t make a good choice as a driver was impacting. The
photographs of car accidents we viewed were upsetting, but served as
a springboard to our discussions about the importance of not drinking
and driving, texting or speeding. These experiences I know were
designed to have new drivers reflect about making good choices and
the consequences that can come from not. It is frightening to think
of terrible accidents that can cause death and serious injury, but it
is important to never allow these frightful images our of our minds.
Drivers ed reduces the number of deaths because of the
awareness it shares about the responsibility of being a safe driver.
Local
communities have responsibilities too. A community has the
responsibility to ensure that it’s citizens obey speed limits and the
laws relating to alcohol levels. Through research and studies in a
community, local and state lawmakers can create safe limits and
conditions for the citizens to follow. After these laws are enacted
the community also has a responsibility to create consequences for
citizens who don’t adhere to them. With these just laws in place, a
community can work together to ensure that the number of deaths
related to car accidents can be reduced. Another step that can be
taken to reduce deaths because of driving accidents is for car
insurance companies to continue to reward safe drivers with discounts
for good driving records. Everyone loves to save money, so these
reward plans can really help reduce risky driving.
Reducing
risky driving habits in a community is very important. I have only
been involved in one car accident with my mom, but it was enough to
frighten me. Right before the accident my mom and I saw a driver
illegally passing a line of cars on the right by driving in a
shoulder, not a lane. The driver was speeding and was in a rush.
Knowing that this car would hit us in the intersection before the
impact was terrifying. It wa a feeling of helplessness for my mom and
I. It is a feeling I never want to experience again.
The
experience of being involved in a car accident made me want to be a
better driver myself. It made me realize that no matter how late
someone is, no one should speed or break the laws about driving
around cars illegally. It simply isn’t worth putting your own life at
risk or someone else’s for a few minutes. As a driver I need to
assume responsibility to take steps that I don’t feel the need to
rush or use poor judgement while driving. If I plan ahead and allow
enough time to get someplace, I am taking the necessary steps to make
good driving choices. I also need to reduce distractions while I am
driving by talking on the phone or texting before I get behind the
steering wheel.
Learning to
drive successfully is an important rite of passage for young people.
Drivers ed is therefore important for new drivers, but it’s
also important for older drivers who would also benefit from the
frightening reminders of taking driving seriously so we can all drive
on the road to success.
