The importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving is exposing new divers to the risk that comes with being behind the wheel. While driving school, I learned that being aware of my surroundings was important. For example, when driving in a roundabout, you have to continually make sure that you are not in the way of a car who was going to take the exit you are closest to when you enter the roundabout and make sure you are not going fast on the roundabout considering a roundabout has a car going in a circular motion. Knowing the signs, such as the yield sign and merging signs, is also very important. I specify these two because yielding can be misinterpreted at times, from experience, as a stop sign, which can create a dangerous situation. For example, coming into oncoming traffic and merging signs are very important because missing these signs can cause a car to crash much faster when the driver is unaware that a lane is closing, and cars will have to zipper together. Although you're driving forward, you should check in with your rearview mirror to be constantly aware of your surroundings and that wearing a seatbelt saves lives. I learned this one when my driving school decided to show us the harsh truth of a car crash. Luckily, I was able to take my glasses off, and considering I was in the back of the room, the images were a bit blurry, but that didn't take away the effect of the sounds, such as the crashing sounds and the screams and the aftermath of the crash. Seeing this type of thing can be scary. Still, it is the reality of the risk there is when it comes to driving. Driver education can essentially reduce these types of incidents if people receive education about road rules to reduce the number of deaths.
Some steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving are that driver's education should become mandatory regardless of whether you're under eighteen or over eighteen. Committing some hours to learning about the rules of the road is the start of owning a car and accepting the shared responsibility of owning a vehicle when driving. Taking and passing the knowledge test should continue the way it is because this helps people. In driving class and advertisements, wearing a seatbelt should be highlighted, as well as moving the speed limit and not using your phone while driving because these are contributing factors to deaths in car accidents. I do believe it's not all in the driver to ensure a decrease in deaths relating to driving. The FWHA should create better roads and make them smoother and more precise because these types of roads can hide pedestrians' crosswalks. It also causes damage to the car, which can put the drivers and those around them at risk.
I have experienced a car accident. My mother was driving, and I was in the passenger seat. In the backseat were my cousin and my sister, who was in a car seat. We were driving on the highway in the rightmost lane, and out of nowhere, someone hit us in the back. The first emotion I had was confusion before the pain started to settle in. But after recovering in a few seconds, knowing my little sister was in the car, I immediately turned around to check on her, then my cousin, who was still in shock. My mother acted the quickest and was calm and pulled over. I do not remember much after that other than making sure my cousin's sister was okay. Still, I remember going to the hospital and them telling us we needed to go to the chiropractor for some weeks to help without pains in our necks and backs.
To be a better and safer driver and help others become safer on the road, one must follow traffic laws and signals. Obeying the speed limit because driving the speed limit is crucial for safety, especially adjusting your speed in road conditions, the weather, and traffic. Slow down if it's raining or snowing or if there is fog. Using headlights, especially if it's pouring rain, is required, so use headlights when it's raining, or you have low visibility in fog and during the night. Another step is to maintain safe following distances. I was taught during driving lessons that if you can't see the back two tires of the car in front of you, you are too close. This also applies to stopping behind a vehicle. You should also stop when you see the back two tires if anything happens. It would help if you pulled from behind the car, and you can do so easily without having to back and risk hitting the car behind you. Minimizing distractions is also another stop. Anything that can take your attention from the road should be minimized to keep yourself safe and others. Driving defensively is another step, and what I mean by this is always to be prepared for other drivers' mistakes. For example, step on the gas as soon as the light turns green, signaling for you to go, because you never know when someone might run their red light and end up hitting you; never assume other drivers will follow the rules. It also gives space to aggressive drivers. During this time and age, you never know what anyone has physically, mentally, and the type of day they are having, and you shouldn't be fighting on the road to begin with because that's more lives you are putting at stake. A huge step is to not drive under the influence. This aspect of driving should also be highlighted in driving school never to drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medication. Plan to have a designated driver or go on public transportation if you know you'll get a drink. Overall, there are other options than driving under the influence. A significant step to being a better and safer driver and helping others become safer on the road is to set a good example. When passengers are in the car, especially tiny ones, follow traffic laws, stay calm, and drive responsibly. Your behavior will be reflected when your passengers and little one start driving. Educate others by sharing tips and advice on safe driving; for example, up signals on a roundabout to signal what you'll be getting off. Don't tailgate or cut others off and taunt aggressive drivers. Another step is to prepare for emergencies. Keep a first aid kit and items like a flashlight, tools, blankets, and jumper cables. Above all, when on the road, be patient and stay calm when driving, especially in traffic and when other drivers make mistakes.