Driver
education is important not only to protect yourself and those in the
car with you, but also to protect the cars around you. Driver
education saves lives by teaching drivers about proper technique, the
dangers of driving under the influence or texting and driving. It can
protect the physical health of the driver, anyone in the car,
pedestrians, and other drivers. It can also protect the mental health
of those related to any victims of a car accident. The death of a
loved one is a very difficult thing to go through, and it is
amplified in car accidents. Car accidents often happen with no
warning, and somebody being taken away so suddenly is mortifying.


My uncle
has told me a story about when he was driving with his best friend
and they got into an accident. My uncle was in the passenger seat
with his seatbelt on, so he survived with a few minor injuries.
However, his friend did not have a seat belt on, was launched through
the windshield and died later in the hospital. The death of a close
friend or family member can be very traumatizing, especially being in
the car with them when it happens. In November of 2018, my
grandfather's depression and alcoholism culminated in his death while
driving under the influence. He entered a freeway exit ramp and got
in a head on collision with another vehicle. Thankfully, the other
driver did not die or sustain any major injuries, but unfortunately,
my grandfather died on impact. He was the head of the family, and his
death sent shockwaves through us all. It was very difficult for me to
handle, and 8 months later I was diagnosed with anxiety and
depression as a result of the downward spiral that that car accident
had sent me down. If nothing else, I have taken his death as a
lesson.


I need to
take care of my mental health in order to be suitable for the road. I
need to value my life, because many others do, and they would be
devastated by my death. I need to resist the temptation to drive
under the influence of any substances, including alcohol or any
prescription drugs that do not allow it. I also need to resist the
temptation to text and drive. I need to be aware of my surroundings
and be constantly alert and double checking that I am doing
everything legally and safely. I need to stop myself from driving if
I am ever in a hyper-emotional state or if I am too tired to keep my
eyes open. Not only do I need to do these things for myself, but I
also must ensure that any driver that I am in the car with is doing
these things too.