Defensive driving was a style of driving I was taught in my drivers ed classes. Not only learning how to drive but teaching me the importance of driver's education. Teaching me steps that are taken to reduce driving related deaths. Not only do these steps help me but also help make it a safe place for other people to drive. These steps have been helpful in certain driving experiences I have had.
Initially when I started to learn how to drive it was because my dad was going to teach me how. In reality my dad only tried teaching me twice before telling me to enlist in driving classes. In my opinion it was way better learning how to drive with these classes then with my dad. Reason being is that with my dad I would not have learned all the state regulation and law when it comes to driving. Only learning the basics like what the signs mean and stuff like that. I would not have learned additional steps into becoming a safer driver. As well has actually having to learn these rules and not only memorize them for the test.
Driver education makes a difference in reducing the number of deaths that are resulted in driving. In comparison to individuals without formal driving instruction, those who received driver education had a markedly lower accident. As well as lower traffic ticket rate throughout their first year of driving. In their first two years of driving, adolescents who participated in drivers education programs are less likely to be in accidents or receive traffic tickets. I enrolled into driving classes my sophomore year and got my license junior year. Currently I have just graduated this past may and still have not been in an accident or received any traffic ticket.
Defensive driving has several different steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. These steps consist of following state laws, obeying signs, and staying focused. Most importantly is staying focused at all times when it comes to driving. There are five steps that I follow every time that I am the one behind the steering wheel. These steps are watching my speed, watch lane positions, no tailgating, non aggressive driving, and watch out for red light runners. These steps have helped me avoid accidents many times, and helped me be a safer driver than others.
Like previously stated I have never been in a car accident. I have been close to almost experiencing one but thanks to these steps it was avoided. However I have been in a car multiple times with irresponsible drivers. When I was younger I used to ride a lot with an uncle from my mom’s side of the family. He is probably the most reckless driver I know. He does things from not using his seat belt, driving past the speed limit, to swerving through traffic. When I was younger I thought what he did was pretty cool. However when I started to drive myself and was in driver’s ed classes. I realized that what he did was not safe and was very irresponsible of him.
That is why I try my best to be a safe driver and try to follow the defensive driving steps. I like driving the speed limit and if I can drive 5 mph slower I prefer that. Making sure I am always focused and watching out for red light or stop sign runners. I’m always looking at my position in the lane and try to follow the 3 sec rule to not tailgate. Being an aggressive driver or having road rage is something I avoid at all cost. I experienced a situation where a driver swerved into my lane then immediately hit his breaks. Luckily I’m always focused and looking at all my surroundings and not tailgating. Allowing me to be able to break in time to not hit the car. I also wait a little extra when I come to a four way stop when cars are approaching the stop signs. I just like to be cautious in case they run the stop light.
There are a few extra steps I take to help the road be a safer place for others apart from me being a safe driver. I try my best to be the assigned driver when being with friends or family. Somewhat encouraging others to be safe drivers and follow these steps and rules. Trying to help them learn the steps of defensive driving and use them. An important thing I always try to do is remind the driver or me to not use the phones while driving. Unless this is an emergency where it really is necessary to use it. I assign the passenger to phone duties and if I am the passenger I am the one in charge of the phone duties. Lastly and most importantly, insist everyone use seat belts. I’ve been told before that I sound like a broken CD for always reminding people to use seat belts. I don’t mind it because I know the importance of wearing them.
Defensive driving is something I learned that helps me become a better driver. It is also something I try to share so that others can become safe drivers too. Teaching me the value of driver's education in addition to teaching me how to drive. Demonstrating to me the procedures used to lower the number of fatalities associated with driving. These actions benefit not just me but also to make the road a safe place for other drivers to drive. In certain driving situations I've been in, these steps have come in handy.