A
busted door, twisted metal, flesh and bone. Innocent lives lost,
taken in an instant. The culprit? A glance at a phone, a split-second
distraction, so miniscule, yet so impactful. How could this have been
prevented? An extra glance to the left, a split-second look at the
mirror. Equally miniscule, yet equally as impactful.

Driver’s
Ed, at its core, is an introduction to safe driving. Drivers Ed
introduces all the basic parts of driving in a cohesive, and
digestible manner. The course aims to not only provide the knowledge
necessary to be a good, and safe driver, but aims also to instill the
small, life saving habits in drivers, such as an extra look in the
mirror, or paying more attention to the surroundings, and noticing
what the other drivers on the road are doing, and acting
accordingly. 

Developing
simple rules and habits for driving is the easiest way to reduce
injuries and fatalities on the road. Think to yourself: Is it safe?
Is anyone around me? Are the others around me being safe? Could this
put others in harm's way? Am I willing to accept the consequences if
this goes wrong?  As you continue to ask these questions to
yourself when you drive, they will eventually become natural, making
you a safer driver.

My
experiences with irresponsible driving are most often with close
friends. Driving in our own hometown. When people get comfortable
with their surroundings, they often begin to become complacent, which
leads to common, beginner-level mistakes. Forgetting to check the
mirrors when slowing down, or switching lanes or pulling into the
driveway. No matter where someone is, the extra steps toward safety
should always be taken. Most accidents take place on rural, two-lane
roads. People drive much less safely in comfortable surroundings,
which leads to dangerous and deadly situations.

Being
a safe driver not only means educating others, but being especially
mindful of your own driving habits. Making sure I follow the steps
and habits I listed in the above writing, as well as making sure to
not only tell others about my experiences, and educating them about
rules and habits. Calling out unsafe behavior when I recognize it,
and being able to recognize whenever I slack off on the rules I
listed for myself and everyone else.

When
driving in any situation, the safety of yourself should be your first
priority. Many of the accidents that happen today could be easily
prevented, if not for small, tiny distractions, that seem mundane in
the moment, but lead to horrifying and tragic situations. However,
making small rules and habits for you to follow can prevent these
accidents. The rules are simple and easy, and are just as impactful
when on the road as being distracted by a phone buzz or otherwise.
Drivers Ed sets up the building blocks for these habits to take
place, but ultimately, it is up to the drivers themselves. So
remember, when driving, victory is in the margins.