Drivers ed is vital to lowering the number of driving related deaths. The more knowledge an individual has can never be underestimated. A great drivers ed program should involve not only the rules of the road but also situational incidents and how to address them. I do not believe that a person can prepare for any incident but having the tools to address a situation and take steps to protect yourself and others from further damage would be beneficial to all drivers. There are many courses of action to take in lowering driving related accidents, such as laws banning cell phone use and educational courses to ensure the understanding of the rules of the road. More examples of real-life accidents and consequences of drivers who were irresponsible or under the influence can have a great effect of the mind set of people. I believe that evidence to the seriousness of driving accidents can help lower the rate of driving deaths. Presentations from willing family and friends of victims of driving related deaths offer a real-life account and the emotional aftermath of such incidents. I have never been in a car accident, nor have I witnessed irresponsible driving. Although, I have had friends that refuse to get in my car with me. I refuse to move my vehicle if everyone has not buckled up. Even though I have not personally witnessed a driving related death, I was impacted by a mandatory drunk driving presentation in high school for drivers ed students. In this presentation, two officers stood in our auditorium and advised us of the different accidents they have witnessed. The majority of the incidents involved teenaged persons, some were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They had consent from the parents of the victims to show crime scene photos that were taken. These impacted a lot of my classmates due to the graphicness of the photos and stories. Especially teenagers, there is a thought of being invincible and that there is a full life ahead of you regardless of your actions. This presentation broke that thought process for most of us. All persons should be required to pass a drivers ed course. I strongly believe this should be offered in all high schools as part of the curriculum.
I always try to keep my eyes on the road. Very rarely will I answer my phone or drop my attention of what is going on around me with other vehicles. I pay attention to other drivers. I am not alone on the road, so I try to anticipate other drivers. If they are swerving, I take notice. Are they intoxicated? Are they not paying attention? I adjust my driving to accommodate for the possible lack of response from other drivers, as I was taught in drivers ed. I have avoided accidents in the past because I had adjusted my actions. Not only were my passengers and my car unharmed, but so were the other parties that could have been involved.