Drivers Ed and Me

Driver’s
Education and Me

Getting
one’s driver’s license can be an exciting and liberating moment
for a teenager as they are able to travel further and faster without
the reliance of an adult. However, it is important that one fully
comprehends the dangers associated with automobiles. Unfortunately,
the leading cause of death for teenagers is that of car crashes.
Moreover, teenage drivers have a higher crash rate than drivers of
any other age group. Therefore, it is important to be fully educated
in road laws and the function of each part in a car does before
operating a vehicle.

In
my case, operating a vehicle was very intimidating. My family had
always warned me about the dangers of messing with the car, so I had
worries when it came time to learn how to drive. For example, losing
control of the steering wheel and thus driving into a building or
another car. Fortunately, I had great role models, as my parents
would always make sure that at least one person that could drive
didn’t consume alcohol. Completing the mandatory drivers ed
course prior to taking driving courses also helped allay some of my
worries. The classes taught me various traffic signals and markings
on the roadway and developed the ability to foresee hazards and
unsafe situations like slippery roads. Having a trained driving
instructor allowed me to develop rudimentary vehicle control and
traffic maneuvers which were further refined while I practiced with
my parents. In addition, I learned the protocols for how to safely
drive on busy interstates and at night. Although it is possible to
skip the class, I would recommend taking a driving course as being
over-prepared is better than being underprepared and thus potentially
cause irreparable damage. It isn’t just the people in the vehicle
that are harmed in a motor vehicle accident, friends and family will
be affected. Accidents can also involve other cars and even
pedestrians, so driving responsibility and understanding the traffic
laws as well as your own vehicle is of the utmost importance. The
ability to drive is a privilege, not a right.