Driver's education is an important component in reducing the number of road fatalities caused by driving through equipping drivers with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for safe driving. The subsequent are some of the key reasons why driver's education is vital in saving lives on the road by..
Improving Road Safety Awareness – Driver's education enlightens individuals on traffic regulations, road signs, and the hazards of unsafe driving, which empowers them to make informed decisions while driving. We can also reduce dangerous driving habits by proper training that discourages individuals from speeding, mobile phone usage while driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which are some of the major causes of road accidents. Another mechanism is developing defensive driving skills. The Drivers learn to anticipate and respond to potential hazards, such as sudden stops, erratic drivers, or inclement weather, in order to reduce the risk of accidents. And lastly, improving reaction time in emergencies. Training allows drivers to stay calm and react appropriately in emergencies, such as avoiding collisions or safely managing vehicle breakdowns.
I have experienced multiple car accidents and seen it from a bystander perspective along with being in the car. I have been in a skid accident and a hit and run. The mental state that it put me in had me scared to want to get into a car and not know what could happen from the time of leaving and getting to my destination. An accident can occur in seconds and is intimidating to see knowing it could be my life or someone else's taken away in a heartbeat.
It was going to be just another bi-weekly routine drive to practice. My glove sat in the passenger seat, my cleats and bag in the trunk of the car, and the reassuring pre practice music to set the tone. The sun was beginning to set, the sky a vibrant mix of oranges and pinks as I drove to the field. I was only a few blocks from the field, cruising through an intersection with the green light turning just for me, when out of nowhere—bam! My car screeched and sharply skid to the right, the sound of metal on metal ringing in my ears. I yelled, my breath caught in my throat, as I fought to keep up, my hands gripping the wheel so hard my knuckles turned white. My first thought was? Did that just happen? Dazed, I looked back over my shoulder in my rearview mirror, waiting for the other driver to stop. But instead, their taillights took off in the opposite direction, disappearing down the road as if nothing had ever happened. Thats when I realized this was the same car that was swerving and cutting multiple people off tp try and beat the 6 O’clock traffic. My heart was pounding and I was trying to fight back all of the tears building up. My vision is going blurry and finally calming down my breathing. A hit-and-run. And just like that, they'd be gone, leaving me with a ruined car and a pumping adrenaline rushed through my veins.
I reached for my phone, my hands shaking as I dialed my mom. My heart still racing, I got out of my vehicle to check the extent of damage that had been done to it—my passenger side was completely scratched,the paint ruined, and the tail light shattered. My tail light glass was over the road. I caught a whiff of the burnt rubber where my tires had skidded on the road. My mom arrived soon enough to get my statement, but I knew deep down that the odds of catching the driver were slim. I replayed in my head what had occurred—did I catch the license plate? Should I have swerved? Did that all just happen to me? Instead of attending softball practice that night, I was using the time to answer insurance calls and the bottoming frustration of knowing the person had gotten away with it. But in the end, I was grateful. Grateful to have gotten away with a shaken heart and bruises but nothing worse. Yet, whenever I drive by that light, I find myself bracing just a little, recalling that fraction of time when everything turned around. I as a teen girl had so many emotions bottled up and not aware of that happening to me.
I am very lucky to have just left with a messed up right side of my car and minor injuries, versus knowing the outcome of what could potentially happen to me if the accident was any more damaging. I get into my car everyday and worry that the same thing could happen and constantly replay the image in my head. But if I were to be afraid to drive everyday, then I wouldn't. I know everything happens for a reason and that I am a lucky human to conquer that, but others aren't quite lucky. I wish people would be more caring and charismatic so that our everyday roads don't have to be a frightening experience because of stupid mistakes.