Driving on the Road to Success

Driver Education is an important component of an adolescent's education in high school. In order to be a successful new driver one needs to not only have experience behind the wheel practicing to drive, but also an understanding of laws and safety. I appreciated my own experience attending drivers ed last year at my high school. The many lectures, films and guest speakers we had really made me aware of the responsibility I have as a driver. At times I felt scared about his huge responsibility I was taking on as a new driver. Hearing from people who didn't make a good choice as a driver was impacting. The photographs of car accidents we viewed were upsetting, but served as a springboard to our discussions about the importance of not drinking and driving, texting or speeding. These experiences I know were designed to have new drivers reflect about making good choices and the consequences that can come from not. It is frightening to think of terrible accidents that can cause death and serious injury, but it is important to never allow these frightful images our of our minds. Drivers ed reduces the number of deaths because of the awareness it shares about the responsibility of being a safe driver.

Local communities have responsibilities too. A community has the responsibility to ensure that it's citizens obey speed limits and the laws relating to alcohol levels. Through research and studies in a community, local and state lawmakers can create safe limits and conditions for the citizens to follow. After these laws are enacted the community also has a responsibility to create consequences for citizens who don't adhere to them. With these just laws in place, a community can work together to ensure that the number of deaths related to car accidents can be reduced. Another step that can be taken to reduce deaths because of driving accidents is for car insurance companies to continue to reward safe drivers with discounts for good driving records. Everyone loves to save money, so these reward plans can really help reduce risky driving.

Reducing risky driving habits in a community is very important. I have only been involved in one car accident with my mom, but it was enough to frighten me. Right before the accident my mom and I saw a driver illegally passing a line of cars on the right by driving in a shoulder, not a lane. The driver was speeding and was in a rush. Knowing that this car would hit us in the intersection before the impact was terrifying. It wa a feeling of helplessness for my mom and I. It is a feeling I never want to experience again.

The experience of being involved in a car accident made me want to be a better driver myself. It made me realize that no matter how late someone is, no one should speed or break the laws about driving around cars illegally. It simply isn't worth putting your own life at risk or someone else's for a few minutes. As a driver I need to assume responsibility to take steps that I don't feel the need to rush or use poor judgement while driving. If I plan ahead and allow enough time to get someplace, I am taking the necessary steps to make good driving choices. I also need to reduce distractions while I am driving by talking on the phone or texting before I get behind the steering wheel.

Learning to drive successfully is an important rite of passage for young people. Drivers ed is therefore important for new drivers, but it's also important for older drivers who would also benefit from the frightening reminders of taking driving seriously so we can all drive on the road to success.