Drivers education is important in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving for many reasons. Drivers’ education teaches you the importance of paying attention when driving and how to avoid distractions. Distracted driving is the causes the most accidents in my opinion. Distractions are all around us at all times. The smallest distraction can cause an accident and possibly death. Drivers education also teaches you to follow posted speeds and be aware of road conditions. Driving too fast or even too slowly can cause accidents. Driving too fast and you can lose control of your car and cause an accident. Driving too slowly can cause accidents because people around you will pass you and become irritated. If those passing aren’t paying attention, they could cause an accident. Road conditions and weather are another area discussed in drivers education. If you are not paying attention to the road conditions or do not drive cautiously you can cause an accident. Slick roads, standing water, winds and flying objects, icy roads, sun in your eyes and night driving are all driving conditions that can impact your driving and if not paying attention or obeying the posted speed limit or even listening to the news about driving conditions, you can cause an accident. The importance of seat belts is also discussed and enforced. Seat belts are in the car for a reason, to keep you safe. Your survival rate is higher if you have your seat belt on. All of this information is taught in drivers education, and this information is extremely important for everyone to know, understand and follow in order to avoid costly accidents.
Steps to reduce the number of deaths related to driving are reduce distractions in the car. The main distraction is our cell phones. People are always on their phones. Phones should be put away in a safe area, so they do not fly around the car or tempt you to use them at a stop light or while driving. If the phone is not put away somewhere safe (glove box, middle console, etc), the phone could slide around in the car as you drive or stop. This can turn the phone into a flying object that can cause harm to you, or your passengers, and it can cause an accident. People looking at their phone while driving or even at a stop light can cause serious accidents. Taking your eyes off the road and your surroundings for even a second can be deadly. Another step to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is to watch the speed and conditions of the road and the weather. Driving in an unsafe matter or not driving to the conditions of the road can cause accidents. Many people think since they have four wheel or all wheel drive cars that they can go fast, however nothing will help you stop any faster on ice and the faster you are going the harder it will be to stop. You and your passengers must always wear your seat belts. I have always been taught to put on my seat belt before the car is in motion.
I have never been in a car accident however I have seen my friends or other people I know drive irresponsibly. Friends and others my age are always on their phones and drive fast. I have even seen them drive recklessly and think it is fun. A kid from my high school died a few years ago by running into the back of school bus on the way to school. He was not paying attention and when the bus stopped, he did not notice it and ran into the back. He was riding a motorcycle which is extremely dangerous as you have no protection. Another kid from another high school was driving three times the posted speed limit and lost control and crashed into a building. The road conditions were fine, and no other car was involved.
I can be a better and safer driver by always keeping my phone put away while driving. Nothing is so important that it cannot wait until I get to my destination. I always make sure to wear my seat belt and make sure all my passengers wear theirs. I can keep my music at a level that allows me to hear what is going on around me. Always drive defensively and be aware of my surroundings. Never assume the cars around me are going to do what they are supposed to. I can keep my passengers limited in my car and make sure they are not distracting me while I drive. All these things will help me be a better and safer driver on the road.