Driver education is extremely important when it comes to reducing the number of driving deaths. When people are educated about the rules of the road and can practice driving with a skilled professional, they are prepared to think and react quickly if a crash seems inevitable. Knowing what your options are, and knowing how to proceed in a critical road situation can save lives. Driving knowledge also includes knowing how to manage your own emotions and reactions. Breathing techniques can help you stay calm in the face of traffic, road rage, or situations you bring into the car with you. After all, being calm while driving is the safest way to drive. The physical skills and mental skills learned in driver education courses contribute to keeping you safe, and keeping drivers and pedestrians around you safe, while on the road. There are many options that may help reduce the number of driving fatalities on our streets. Regular driver tests are one such option. If people are required to take a second, or even a third test later in their lives when they renew their driver's licenses, they would be more likely to educate themselves on the current rules of the road. Investing in our local infrastructures is another important option, since having better signage and road striping assists driver in making good driving decisions. A third idea is making cities more walkable or ridable for bikes or scooters, to reduce the number of cars needed for every trip. This would help reduce crashes while increasing fitness and mental health. A fourth option is investing in public transportation like city buses and light rail systems. Good public transportation allows people to reduce their reliance on cars, which reduces the number of cars on the roads thus reducing the number of traffic fatalities. Additionally, when a lot of people take the bus or another form of public transportation, more money gets pumped into the city’s economy, which can be spent on road maintenance. When I was still a relatively new driver, I had a scary experience on a freeway. As I was driving at 60 mph, I was side-swiped by a bus. I drive a small car, a Honda Fit. The bus driver may not have seen me initially while merging into my lane and they grazed the side of my car. Almost immediately, they pulled back out of my lane but it still scared me half to death. I didn't know what to do in that moment, it happened so fast, but it turned out that I did the right thing. I didn't swerve into another lane, I took my foot off the gas pedal and allowed  my car to slow naturally, and I pulled over to the side of the road as soon as it was safe. The bus had scraped off my driver's side mirror and dragged it down the side of my car in the process, but it could have been so much worse. The bus, did not stop. To be a better and safer driver I could always double check both ways before merging, instead of relying on a single look. I could also stop a little longer at corners before turning right, to make sure no one is trying to cross the road. As a passenger, I could also remind my driver to check twice before turning, and to help them to remain calm if we’re stuck in traffic, or if they’re feeling a lot of emotions. I could review driving laws each year to see if anything new has been put in place and I could also make sure maintenance on my car is always up-to-date. This includes checking the oil, the tires, the brakes, and the engine. Good car care prevents accidents, so bringing in my car for regular checkups can help reduce the risk of having my car fail. Reminding my friends and family to do this also, will ensure many more cars are on the road in good condition. In addition, it's important to have a basic tool kit in the trunk at all times. This could include snow chains, wrenches, jumper cables, flashlights, and emergency flares. In case my car does break down on the side of the road, I want to be able to take care of the problem quickly and safely. Everyone in my immediate family has taken driving courses before getting licenses. We feel that dedicating time to learning this lifelong skill is investing in ourselves, our safety, and the safety of those around us.