Driver education is a course that every student should take. Not all high school classes have real life relevance to world we live in; driver’s education is a course that benefits everyone. Plus, most students are not going to be attentive to mom and dad and their tips on driving. I never Taking this course can help in reducing the number of deaths on US highways every day. One of the most important parts of this class is defensive driving techniques. Students learn how to avoid crashes, point out aggressive drivers and to drive in all types of weather. I feel that many steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. First, there needs to be legislative change and more money given to schools to support this program. This course should be a mandate for high school graduation just like English or math. I do not know of any other class that is more important than a one that keeps you and others safe every day. As stated in the research 34,000 people die every year in car accidents. In New York state people can take a defensive driving course to help reduce their insurance costs or take points off from their driver’s license. This incentive will encourage more people to get a refresher course on the rules of the road. Over time people forget who has the right of way, what does the flashing yellow light mean or where can I turn right on red. This program encourages people to educate themselves and maybe open up a driver’s manual for the first time in 20 years.

I have been in a car accident before, but it was minor. My mom hit a deer that was running across the road. I am not sure this could have been avoided, but driving at a slower rate of speed would definitely have reduced the amount of damage to our car. My mom drives irresponsible all the time. I feel her goal when she gets into the car is to break the speed limit all the time. She does not speed when me and my siblings are in the car, but I can see how fast she is going on the app Life360. I speak to her all the time about it. The one thing I can be thankful for is that my parents never drink and drive. They always make sure that they have a safe way home from parties or family events. I feel that it is very important that all drivers are aware of the impact of drugs and drinking while behind the wheel of a car. Listening to speakers talk about their loved ones senseless death because a drunk driver really makes you sit up and pay attention. We had a speaker come to our school once who was 16 years old and she talked about losing her parents to someone who was driving while drunk. I still remember the quiver in her voice how she talked about that day and how it forever impacted her life. Many of these stories need to be told so people realize it is not just another commercial on television. Driver’s education also gives students a feeling of confidence when out on the road. Just taking the course gives students experiences, real life lessons and teaches them how to handle all types of situations. Listening to an instructor teaching the course is much better then hearing your mother yell…break, slow down or get over!

I am a safe driver, because I am responsible for me and bringing my younger sister to school every day. I always have several other students in the car with me most of the time. I pick up students to go to and from practice every day all year long. I understand the value of leading by example and I know my actions influence others. If I drive crazy through town up and down streets or drive recklessly others will also think that it is cool. This is not the message I want to send to my siblings or friends. Driving needs to be seen as a privilege in this country and not a right. If more people felt this way then they would have more of a personal responsibility to themselves and others on the road. My parents have instilled in me that I have the most precious gift in the world to them in my hands when I am behind the wheel of a car – their children.