Drivers Ed. Frequent Reminders

Casea Elaine Carrasquillo June 11, 2020 McDaniel College c/o 2021 Drivers ed Initiative Award: Summer 2020 Drivers Ed. Frequent Reminders Drivers ed course was both the most scary and exciting thing was lucky to experience for free in high school. I learned just what it meant to be behind the wheel and to be a passenger Drivers ed shows future drivers the dangers of not following traffic signals, using driving signals, and driving under the influence. The hopes of these classes are to prepare new drivers for the responsibility of driving. Making sure more people have access to drivers ed is very important. In college I discovered that not everyone had the same free drivers ed course that I did. This would not only help educate others on proper driving and how to read signs, but likely also help reduce the number of accidents and deaths. In addition to the education of those about to receive their permits and licenses it would be helpful to receive additional information on driver's safety. Encouragement from insurance companies for newer drivers (6 month- 6 years) to take a refresher or defensive driver course would also likely help in the decrease the number of deaths related to driving. Something that I feel is over-looked are the driving laws in surrounding states. As someone who lives in a small state and often visits the surrounding states it is important to receive information that reminds us not all states have the same rules and regulations. Thankfully I have not been in any accidents in my 5 years of driving and 21 years as a passenger. However, a girl that I have known since we were younger got into a very bad accident in high school. We ended up at two different high schools and took what I would hope was the same thorough drivers ed course. She decided to get into a car with a drunk driver, as an intoxicated passenger. In the accident all occupants of the vehicle were under the influence of something and just as a passenger this girl, with a bright future, spent what should have been her summer and freshman fall semester of college, in and out of a hospital relearning to walk. This reminded me to never get into a car with someone who is under the influence and to try to prevent them from driving. Separate from this story I have also seen many friends and family members become distracted drivers which can be just as deadly. Steps that me and others can take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others is to pledge to never drive under the influence or get into a vehicle with someone who is. Pledge to try to prevent others from driving under the influence. Look into what re-education is available for free. See if your insurance has any sort of incentive for re-education especially courses that cost money. Offer to text for others so they can focus on the road. Remind others to pay attention to the road if they are distracted. Word count: 494