Almost 50,000 people died in 2023 in the United States alone due to car accidents! Driver education plays a magnificent role in reducing the number of deaths caused by car accidents. Young teenagers need this course to become the root of who they will be as drivers. When I was 16 years old I remember sitting in Drivers Ed class and watching a “Zero Fatalities” video. Tears filled my eyes as I heard stories of lives changed due to deaths, irresponsible driving, and distracted drivers. Many steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. In this essay, I will speak on three of those steps. The first step is to help young drivers understand the depth of car accidents and irresponsible driving. Second, to help them know distracted driving and what it looks like. Third, steps that we can take to drive safer.
Drivers Ed is the foundation for creating a safe driver. Teachers must be determined to help their students understand the seriousness of being behind the wheel. For example, my driver's Ed teacher connected his teachings to experiences with car accidents in his family or with his friends. It touched my heart and to this day I remember the desire to be a safe driver and help spare lives. An effective way teenagers can fully learn and understand the danger of driving is through videos and pictures. I am grateful I saw and heard real-life experiences, to feel the need to be a responsible driver. Another important step is to remind people to wear seatbelts. Students must understand that this is not an option. My best friend always says, "My car does not move until everyone is buckled”. It's a reminder that everyone needs in this busy world.
Over 3,000 deaths will be caused this year due to distracted drivers. It is easy to become distracted while driving, a simple look down, a quick change of music, and a glance over at the passenger can cause a life of grief. Driving distracted leads to driving irresponsibly, which leads to heartache. I have a good friend who became distracted while driving. She went to grab some food from the console, didn’t see two little boys on a bike, and hit them going 50 mph. Sadly one passed away, the other will struggle with challenges the rest of his life, and my friend will have a lifetime of flashbacks. Not only were the two little boys and my friend affected, but so were their families, the people who saw the accident, and their neighbors.
People must know what distracted looks like. It's not just being on your phone. It is any time you take your eyes off the road to do something that does not involve driving. Such as looking at maps, calling a loved one, changing music, or eating food. We must spread awareness for distracted driving in driver's education. The teachers and students can provide many examples of what it looks like. As well as personal experiences, so hearts can be touched, desires can be changed, and driving goals established.
Lastly, there are many steps that I can take to become a safer driver, as well as help others drive more responsibly. I want to cut out my distractions while driving. I can adjust my mirrors before I start driving, and I can put on a playlist and keep it on a reasonable volume. I don’t want to eat while driving or look at the passengers. I can open maps before I start the car. I can become a safer driver by preventing and cutting out my distractions while I’m driving.
This essay was a good reminder to me that every life matters. It made me reflect on the things I learned in my driver's education class. I was reminded of my roots and feelings. Such as the importance of a blinker, checking a blind spot, and stopping fully at a stop sign. Through my example, I hope that others can remember to drive safely. I will invite my family, especially my two younger siblings, to read this essay. I want them to reflect on their moments in driver education so that we can have at least 3 more safer drivers on the roads.
In conclusion, driver education is crucial for reducing the number of deaths caused by accidents. By teaching kids at a young age the importance of preventing distractions, wearing seatbelts, and thinking of others, we can save lives!