Jeremiah Reeves


Automobile crashes are a leading cause of death. Six teenagers die each day from car crashes and many more are injured. I am 16 years old and new to the roads. This topic resonates with me on a deeper level than maybe it would with somebody else. I feel that there are several important steps that can be taken as students and adults to ensure that everybody who gets issued a driver’s license and even people who have been driving for many years understand the importance of practicing safe driving.
Drivers ed is important because all new drivers getting on the roads need to take some type of drivers ed course to grow their knowledge about road signs, to strengthen their ability to drive safely and react accordingly to different situations they may encounter while driving, and to explain the statistics behind automobile crashes so they won’t fall into these categories. Drivers ed informs people on how dangerous automobiles can be and why it's important to exercise safe driving techniques.
Some steps that should be taken to reduce automobile fatalities is to increase fines and penalties for speeding. I was driving on my way to school one morning. When approaching the merge lane, a car sped past me and swerved around me. This caused me to have to slow down and get to the side so the speeding car would not ram into the side of my car. Another step is to prevent friends from driving drunk. There should always be a designated driver in the group who won’t participate in any drinking for the night. Setting your phone to ‘do not disturb’ while driving and leaving your phone in the passenger seat while you, the driver, focuses on the road is another way to practice safe driving. Many people continue to use their phones while driving; nearly getting into accidents.
I haven’t been in any car accidents, but my brother and sister were in a near fatal accident. My siblings were trying to react to another driver on the road who was driving irresponsibly and drove into their lane. Their car swerved off the road and hit a tree. While their car was totaled, neither of my siblings were hurt in this accident. To be a safer driver, I will continue to practice driving responsibly by getting rid of distractions like handheld devices and food. All drivers should do the same by practicing habits of driving responsibly; thereby, realizing the importance of saving lives through these safe driving practices.
Drivers ed is essential to prepare individuals to drive safely and responsibly on the roads. Being able to drive an automobile is a privilege, not a right. Automobiles are really dangerous machines that are very useful. However, irresponsible drivers cause so many deaths across our nation each year. Educating our drivers is key to spreading this awareness about safe driving habits to save lives.