Every time we get behind the wheel of our cars, we hold responsibility for not only other people on the road, but also to our own selves. In the United States, in recent years, statistics show around 40.000 people have lost their lives in car accidents every year (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA). The fact that these deaths outnumber the body counts of some wars highlights how dangerous it can be to drive carelessly. Drivers’ education can help raise awareness of risks on the road, reduce car related accidents, and teach many how to drive safely and responsibly.

To help people understand and prevent accidents they could run into on the road, driver's education is important for our wellbeing. New drivers, especially teenagers, are at a higher risk of getting into an accident, due to their overconfidence and inexperience. Studies show that individuals who complete proper driving education programs are less likely to get into car crashes, compared to other drivers who rely on their parents or themselves to learn.

In addition to teaching the basics of driving a car, driver's education promotes understanding and awareness when it comes to the consequences of careless driving. Many young drivers do not realize how one small moment, such as adjusting the radio or looking at their phones, could have devastating consequences. By using real-world events and statistical proof into the programs, new drivers could come to a greater understanding of road safety. 
To lower the number of accidents caused by reckless driving, there are several steps that can be taken. First, there should be stricter law enforcement when it comes to traffic laws, such as speed limits and DUI laws, as studies show an inverse relationship between traffic enforcement and traffic safety. Another way to lower any offenses could be to increase the use of technology, such as red-light cameras.
Moreover, by adding defensive driving skills to the driver's education courses could be beneficial to all. In a way to prevent accidents from happening, defensive driving puts an immense value on predicting possible challenges, keeping safe distances, and making sure to take positive choices to avoid accidents. By putting in refresher courses for experienced drivers, it can benefit and reinforce safer driving habits. Also, there should be more promotion for newer and safer car technology, such as lane departure warnings and even automatic emergency brakes. By promoting cars and other vehicles with these features, the number of fatal car accidents would see a significant drop.
In my own experiences, I have witnessed a few people who have experienced the consequences of reckless driving. A few months ago, an accident happened on the highway due to the driver going beyond the speed limit. I remember the driver swerving across lanes at a high-speed while being on his phone, until we started to approach upcoming traffic. It was until he had rushed behind a car that was braking; he crashed into the trunk of the car. Thankfully, both drivers survived, yet they seemed to have had minor injuries due to the accident. This experience itself allowed me to become more cautious and aware of my own ways of driving. Now, whenever I drive, I make sure to never take out my phone until I have parked, and I make sure my family does the same. 
I have also experienced consequences by not following the laws on the road from my family. A few years ago, my father and I were going on a trip to Niagara Falls in Canada, and he kept going around 20 to 25 miles per hour above the speed limit. Eventually, a state trooper arrived and gave my father a speeding ticket for doing so. Although it was a minor incident compared to a crash, it was enough to open my eyes to the importance of following traffic laws. I've become committed to practicing more defensive driving habits and techniques, to be a safer driver. I always make sure to keep a safe distance from other cars, always checking my mirrors, and always keeping my eyes peeled for any unexpected changes happening in traffic. I also make sure to keep an eye on the speed I go and to not use my phone.
  I always encourage both friends and family to drive safely, as one moment is all it takes for your life to be on the line instantly. Having the power to drive is a gift that comes with a great number of responsibilities. The haunting number of car accidents that happen each year highlights the need for an understandable driver's education along with stricter road safety enforcement. We can drastically reduce the number of fatal accidents by investing in proper training for drivers, enforcing safety regulations, and by using new technology. On a more personal level, we can all take more positive steps to being safer drivers and inspire responsible driver methods for all. Learning how to drive is only one part of a driver’s education; another is understanding the consequences that come with every single choice you make while driving. Let us all vow to drive cautiously, responsibly, and with awareness to protect both ourselves and others around us.