Mariah Senior
9-27-19

Driver
Education Initiative

Drivers ed is a
formal program in a series of classes that prepares new drivers for
their learners or license. Topics include traffic laws and vehicle
operation. Each year, almost 1.25 million people die in a car
accident, on average nearly three thousand deaths a day. Amongst
these deaths they are young drivers aged 15-44.

Drivers ed is
important when it comes to reducing the number of deaths. There’s a
lot of valuable information given during drivers ed that can keep
everyone safe when it comes to driving. Drivers learn the importance
of being mindful and considerate. When on the road, the lives of
drivers, pedestrians, animals, and passengers are all at risk. Simple
things such as taking the time to make sure everyone has on a
seatbelt and constantly checking and being aware of one’s
surroundings can save a life, or many. Obeying traffic laws and signs
keeps things orderly on the road. Running a red light could endanger
your life and those surrounding you. It’s important to be patient
on the road. About sixty-six percent of traffic fatalities occur
because of aggressive drivers. Completing a drivers ed
course is important because it helps to develop fundamental vehicle
control and traffic maneuvers. Also, it teaches how to safely operate
vehicles on busy interstates, and roads at night, and under other
dangerous circumstances.

There are many things we
can do to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. One of them
being, driving with a clear conscience. Drinking and driving or
driving without enough sleep is extremely dangerous. Also, not
driving over the speed limit can help reduce the number of deaths.
Driving 80 miles per hour where the speed limit is 70, increases the
chance of a crash by 31 percent, injury by 49 percent, and a fatality
by 71 percent. In addition, it’s important to never use any
handheld device while driving. Attention should always be on the
road, looking away for even a second is enough time for an accident
to occur. Other ways we can reduce road accidents and deaths is to
ignore aggressive drives, follow the rules of the road, keeping eyes
on the road always, avoiding construction areas, yielding to
pedestrians, and so much more.

A few months ago, while
in the car with my mom, she was texting and driving and upon passing
through a green light, an aggressive driver had sped around the car
in front of them on the opposing side and almost hit us. Had my mom
not looked up, that would have been a serious accident. Things I can
do to help others become a better driver is to always make sure we
are wearing our seatbelt. Also, making sure the driver isn’t
distracted and is paying attention to the road.