In
the Driver’s Seat 
The
majority of the people in the United States over the age of 16 can
drive which means billions of cars are on the road each day. Nearly
1.25 million people die in car accidents each year. This number
catches the eye of many people and should make them think about how
important drivers ed and road safety is.
Driver
education is essential to making sure that drivers on the road know
what they are up against. High schoolers that are required to take
Drivers Ed are less likely to be an accident. It is very important
for students to take the class seriously, so they are aware of the
rules and consequences while on the road. Drivers Ed provides the
students with the knowledge, skills, and attitude needed for safety
for the driver and others around them. Drivers ed should be
taken more seriously not just as students but as adults because the
more people aware the less likely accidents will occur. 

Many
simple steps can be taken to make the roads safer and reduce the
number of deaths caused by accidents. Each state should make sure
every person on the road is driving with all the necessary documents
such as a valid license and insurance. Drivers need to not only be
aware of the traffic laws, but also know how to follow them. Drivers
also need to keep all distractions put away; this includes cellphones
and food. Distracted driving is one of the main causes of accidents.
Many states now have made it illegal to handle cellular devices while
driving. Driving under the influence is another reason deadly
accidents occur. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is
not acceptable no matter what. When driving, drivers need to follow
traffic laws, be well-rested and sober, and have no distractions.
On
the morning of July 2, 2018, we received a devastating phone call
that my brother Tyler had been in a motorcycle accident and was being
life-flighted to Vanderbilt Hospital. He suffered a broken tibia and
fibula, a fractured pelvis, road rash, and chemical burns. He spent a
week at Vanderbilt, and then he was transferred to Summit Medical
Hospital where he continued to recover with the help of three blood
transfusions and occupational therapy for two weeks. His accident
happened because he was being impatient and tried passing multiple
vehicles at once on a two-lane highway. While passing the cars, a
dump track decided to to take a left turn cutting Tyler off. Tyler
then had to make the quick decision to lay his bike down. The dump
truck drug my brother and his bike for 33 feet before realizing what
had happened. It’s crazy to think that if one thing would have gone
differently, he wouldn’t be here with us today all because he was
being impatient and careless. 
Together
people can make the road a safer place for everyone by becoming an
educated and thoughtful driver.