Driving While Educated

Driving accidents have always been an issue in this country with an unfortunate growth rate of 90 Americans involved in fatal car accidents a day. Most of these accidents were the result of drunk driving, speeding, or reckless driving from people who did not take driving serious or people who were the victim of reckless driving. No one understands the importance of safe driving until something happens to them or a family member. All my life I have witnessed friends and family members participate in unsafe driving resulting in accidents or trouble with the law. I personally have experienced my brother being in an almost fatal car accident as a result of speeding on a wet road. I knew when I became a driver I did not want to contribute to the increasing problem of unsafe driving in America. As I driver I took the initiative to drive not only for myself but for others too.

In high school, all freshman and sophomores were required to take and pass drivers ed with at least a C average. My driver’s education teacher knew the importance of being a safe driver, so he made it mandatory that we learned the rules of the road before we could even touch our drivers ed car. Some high schools do not offer free drivers ed classes, so teens who want to get their permit must pay for a drivers ed course or wait until they are at least seventeen or eighteen to get their full license depending on their state laws. I feel that all high schools should offer drivers ed courses because many students cannot afford to pay for drivers ed courses. It is important for anyone who wants to get their driver’s license to learn the actual rules of driving from a certified driving instructor. Many people only pass their driver’s test because of word of mouth teaching, which is learning from another person who is not a driving instructor who luckily passed their driving test. This method of teaching is only a way to pass your drivers test and how many people learned to “drive”. Without having the actual drivers education course itself and obtaining your license only contributes to the car accident rate. If more people were actually educated on driving then that would reduce the amount of vehicle-related deaths in America.

As a nation, we should realize this growing problem and solve it fast before more lives are lost. I feel that it is entirely too easy to get your license because drivers ed courses are not a requirement. Allowing people who only know the bare minimum to drive is very dangerous not only for them but for the people sharing the road with them. There should be more requirements to get your driver’s license such as taking at least two drivers ed courses and having to take a course each time your license needs to be renewed. I feel that these precautions need to be made to minimize or even eliminate the amount of vehicle-related accidents. Making getting your license a little more difficult is only to ensure people are safe on the road. I have experienced being in a car accident and witnessed family members and friends driving recklessly resulting in car accidents. Each accident was caused by speeding or being inattentive while driving. I have witnessed the results of driving irresponsibly and I do not want that to happen to me so I try to take the necessary precautions while I am driving.

Personally, as a safe driver, I have recognized my flaws in driving and will continue to work on them. I do not drive reckless because I know the harm it can cause to me or others. I will continue to not drive under any influence, speed, or drive recklessly. Having the opportunity to take a drivers ed for free is something that I do not take for granted every time I am behind the wheel. I was privileged to learn the correct way to drive and the rules of driving. If I am a passenger of someone who is driving irresponsibly I would kindly ask them to stop and warn them of the danger of their actions to themselves and others. Educating others correctly in the dangers is very important to reduce the number of car accidents a year. This task may be difficult but it is necessary to ensure everyone stays safe.