In the Driver's Seat

Noah Jones-Beyene

8900 Chevington Ct.

Pickerington, OH 43147

[email protected]

614-512-9492

In the Driver’s Seat

Driving is a privilege! The amount of deaths from car accidents supersedes the amount of people who died in the Iraq and Afghanistan war. This statistic is quiet alarming. Currently Ohio representatives Gary Scherer (R) and Michael Sheehy (D) have re-introduced a bill to raise age of first time drivers to 16 and a half. Lawmakers argue that inexperience behind the wheel is a problem that ties into crashes involving injury and death. I believe another piece of the puzzle is quality drivers ed programs. Most high schools do not offer drivers ed classes. Parents are spending the money they have to pay for less quality classes. Some parents are even waiting for the child to turn 18 years old so the program does not have to be taken and some parents simply cannot afford these costly programs.

Driver education programs are extremely important to reducing the number of deaths related to traffic accidents. Data shows that when young people are enrolled in a drivers ed program, they are less likely to be involved in an automobile crash as well as traffic violation. There is a positive correlation between driving education programs and lower fatality rates and accident rates among teen drivers. It is time for states to wake up and promote driver education programs in school. To reduce the number of deaths related to teen driving, as I stated above, drivers ed programs should be a priority and be placed back in high schools as a required class or elective and be taught by a highly qualified instructor, such as a police officer.

I have personally not been in an automobile accident thankfully, but I have witnessed friends speeding and driving reckless. I was not in the vehicle, but I also have seen the end result which involved two friends totaling two brand new cars. I can’t help to think about the cost of teen driving mistakes which is high, I am assuming.

I honestly had a real good drivers ed program and teacher. To be a better and safer driver, I can put some things in place. Here are my top ten driver safety tips:

1. Focusing on driving, not talking, texting, eating, or other distractions

2. Plan ahead, no rushing

3. Follow the speed limit

4. Plan for bad weather

5. Plan for “just in case” accidents, where to pull over to safety

6. Call parents or friend if I am sleepy

7. Wear seatbelt at all times

8. Pay attention to the flow of traffic

9. Keep a safe driving distance

10. Look as far ahead as I can