Driving is a crucial staple for many Americans, and I am overjoyed to have a new sense of freedom. But that freedom comes with several responsibilities. According to The Hedges Company, in 2023 there are a projected 243.4 million licensed drivers in the U.S. That is a lot of licensed drivers with a percentage of them being teenagers, just like me. Starting the driving journey is exciting and scary. It is important to utilize the skills and education learned during driver's education classes to be a successful driver. For me, I went from driving with my family to being a person in the car by myself trying to maneuver the roads cautiously.   I can only imagine how many teens are in the same boat as me. Every time I get into my car I reflect on the lessons in driver’s education and all the advice provided by my driving instructor as well as my family. From my personal experience driver education helped me to be confident in my driving ability. When I first started driving, I kept remembering “Kendall you have to be a defensive driver, be aware of your surroundings, be aware of your speed, and take your time there is no rush.”   Now I get in my car and say, Kendall you got this.

Being a defensive driver means you are always checking your surroundings, and the actions of others, as well as being prepared if needed to stop to avoid unexpected mishaps.  For example, my mom and I were traveling and there was a guy who was weaving in and out of traffic, almost hitting cars in his transitions.  The first thing I thought was to pay attention to his actions as his actions could lead to immediate danger.  If I were driving looking straight ahead, tunnel visioned, I could have missed him almost hitting our car from behind. In a split moment, I sped up just a little to avoid him hitting the back right corner of our car while he was making dangerous transitions.  If I were not taught to be defensive and pay attention to my surroundings, this could have been a tragedy.  

It is essential to learn the basics of being a safe driver. It is equally important to learn the principles and apply the principles daily. As in the example used above, being a defensive driver is key.  This will help to alleviate deaths due to automobile accidents. Being cautious and alert will allow you the opportunity to respond appropriately. Drivers' education teaches inexperienced drivers the importance of safety in all aspects. Whether that is stopping completely at a stop sign, taking caution when going through traffic lights, or remembering to recognize dangerous situations.  Safety is always important.  For me it is equally important to use safe speeds, not text and drive, never drive under the influence, and to not being subject to peer pressure. All these are key aspects learned during drivers’ education.  Driver education provides the foundation to be a successful driver as well as teaches the do’s and don'ts of traffic safety. Using appropriate etiquette and lessons learned will lead to the reduction of deaths. According to studies, teens who do not enroll in driving school are 75% more likely to violate rules and get a ticket, 24% are likely to be involved in fatal accidents or deaths, and 16% are more likely to get into accidents.  As I have heard throughout my life, “when you know better, you do better”.  

I have touched on the steps that I can take to be a better driver in the above paragraph. I think one of the most important is to not be subject to peer pressure. I was recently in a car with a friend, and he said, “my other friends drive faster than you”. I pulled my car over and told him he was welcome to get out and walk. Then I explained to him, why would I risk my life, his life, or the life of someone else because you want me to go faster. I feel that calling things out or bringing attention to things will help someone else on their safe driving journey. I remember when I had to document my driving hours, my mom took every opportunity to tell me why I was doing things and what could happen if I did not. I thought that was so annoying, but now I want to take the same opportunity to do the same.

Thank you for taking the time to read my essay. I am still a relatively new driver, but I will continue to use the lessons taught in drivers’ education as well as the lessons that I am learning everyday to continue to be a safe driver. I also hope that I can pour the wisdom shared with me from countless individuals into someone else.