Driver education is very important in order to reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving. Driver education teaches young drivers about driving responsibilities, road safety, and traffic rules. along with basic knowledge of how to operate a motor vehicle. Teens who don’t engage in driver's education are more likely to violate the laws and get into fatal car accidents. Having the knowledge from drivers' education gives the driver a better understanding and tools to keep them safe while on the road. Understanding the dangers and repercussions of careless driving can help improve traffic safety. Sometimes words are not enough for teens to really grasp the consequences that come from drinking and driving. Teens need to be shown exactly what can happen. They are more likely to view horrifying videos detailing the harm and repercussions of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they are enrolled in a driving school. This way, teens will recognize the dangers of their actions and possibly think twice before deciding whether or not they should get behind the wheel. Driver's education also teaches teens how to drive in different types of weather. Even the most experienced drivers can be put in danger by winter and inclement weather, so new drivers need to be prepared. Driver’s education not only helps protect the person behind the wheel but also the people nearby. I have had first-hand experience with a family member driving irresponsibly. When my younger brother and sister started arguing in the rear as my grandma was driving, she briefly took her eyes off the road to try to break up the dispute and nearly collided with the vehicle in front of her. This demonstrates that even the smallest distraction from the road could result in much greater harm than you initially realize.
Some steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving are staying focused, driving cautiously, obeying signs, and encouraging this behavior in your friends and loved ones. The number one way to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road is to keep your phone out of sight while driving. I have seen on so many occasions that people are driving and are more focused on their phones than the road. Drivers at a red light are more concerned with a text message than the traffic light and other drivers around them. They are so distracted that they don’t realize the light has turned green. Driving distracted is the worst thing you can do for yourself and everyone around you, whether they are passengers or other drivers on the street. I have had my driver’s license for almost two years, and having your license requires great responsibility. When you get behind the wheel, you are not only responsible for yourself, but you also have to be aware of all that is happening around you. Your ultimate goal is to get to and from your destination safely. I never understood why my mom would say driving can be exhausting until I had to drive every day to and from school, work, and any other place I needed to go. Driving can be draining, but it is a privilege that should never be taken lightly. In order to stay focused while I drive and not have the urge to look at my phone, I put it either in my bag or glove box. I also keep my phone on the driving focus setting. This automatically silences my phone from text messages when I am driving. I am able to receive incoming calls only from people on my phone that are tagged as favorites to eliminate unnecessary distractions. I have CarPlay, so when I receive messages from the system, the system will read them, and I can reply with a voice message. All of these options help me to stay hands-free from my phone and focused on the road. Whether you are a beginner driver or a veteran driver, we must be reminded that texting and driving is unsafe. No text message is worth risking your life and others just to read. It is crucial that every driver be reminded of this. Not everyone receives their license or even wants to learn to drive, but when you get your license, you must always be in the right headspace to get behind the wheel. Driving when upset will make you distracted, which will make you a danger to those around you. Driver education won't necessarily stop accidents from happening, but it will help reduce the number of incidents and mishaps that might have been avoided if drivers had the necessary knowledge prior to getting behind the wheel.