Sarah
McClernan
5/19/20
Drivers
Education Essay Contest

Driver
education is extremely important not only for new drivers but for
anyone who is operating a vehicle. The amount of deaths caused from
uneducated drivers is insane. The importance of drivers ed is
to allow old and new drivers to become more educated about the rules
when being on the road. This will be helpful in preventing and
limiting accidents, keeping the roads safe for others, and overall
just creating a safe atmosphere at all times. There are steps to be
made to enable safe drivers and fewer deaths caused by accidents. One
of them being drivers ed. This allows future drivers to understand
and acknowledge the rules of the road to not only keep themselves
safe but others as well. Another would be taking your six hours. I'm
not sure this is required in all states, but I think it should be.
With this, you get experience being in a car and are physically
taught the rights and the wrongs of driving. After that, you then get
your permit. Driving with a permit allows for practice and
experience. I personally have not been in a car accident but I did
come close to one. My first car was a 1995 Jeep Cherokee, and it did
not have four-wheel drive. I was driving to a friend's house while it
was snowing and as I was turning at a light I hydroplaned. I did a
full spin but thankfully, there were no cars near me so I didn't hit
anyone or anything. I was educated enough to know never to slam on
the brakes but to slowly stop pressing the gas and steer my car into
the direction I wanted then when it was safe to press the brake
slowly. That was one of the scariest moments I had when driving, but
I am grateful I knew how to handle the situation. I did have a friend
who had gotten a DUI. He was lucky, he potentially could have caused
serious accidents and harmed himself or others. Fortunately, that was
not the case, but he did get pulled over and lost his license for
some time. Driving under the influence is careless and selfish and I
hope everyone driving realizes that. For me, the steps I would take
to continue to be a safe driver are simple. Constantly keeping up
with the rules of the road, such as speeding limits, the distance
between cars, checking blind spots, etc. Obviously never use my phone
while driving, and no driving under the influence of anything.
Another key step is to be aware of weather conditions that could be
dangerous. As for keeping others safe on the road, I would expect
them to do the same. If I happen to be in the car with them and they
are making me uncomfortable I would advise them of the rules and
inform them of the consequences they could receive or cause. All of
this is crucial in being a safe driver.