In The Driver’s Seat

Allure Isaacs

Drivers ed Initiative Essay

In The Drivers Seat

All lives matter, yet each year in America we lose an average of 34,000 lives in driving accidents. It’s imperative to highlight the significance of each life by mandating a federal Drivers ed Program for all drivers under age of 25. This federally mandated program will aid in reducing driving related deaths, identify road hazards, emphasize seatbelts use, and equip drivers with tools to be safer, better drivers.

A proper drivers education program can significantly lead to fewer deaths related to driving. A recent article, followed a number of teen drivers, over 8 years, shows drivers education significantly reduces crashes and traffic violations amongst new drivers ”Study: Drivers ed significantly reduces teen crashes, tickets”. This study also highlights, teens who don’t take a drivers ed course “are 75 percent more likely to get a traffic ticket, 24 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident and 16 percent more likely to have an accident.” These discoveries prove the 30 years of supposition on the significance of drivers ed. In Nebraska 53 percent of teens took a state-approved drivers education course to qualify for their permit. Within 1 year of driving, this group had significantly fewer accidents and traffic tickets than the group that logged driving hours without formal driving instruction.

Equally important, to education is your mental status while operating a vehicle. Preparation for the road and eliminating outside distractions will reduce the number of deaths related to driving. A common factor in driving accidents is driving while under the influence, cell phone usage, and exceeding the posted speed limits. Those under the influence of any substance should not operate a vehicle, but find alternative means of transportation. Many cars are now equipped with hands free devices, but it is best to simply put your device away until you’ve arrived at your destination. Additionally driving in excess of the speed limit is against the law and causes one to over drive their conditions. Making drivers aware of such hazards will reduce vehicle accidents. My family has been fortunate to have not been involved in any major car accidents, but we have been involved in an incident involving wildlife. I am not sure a Drivers ed Program could prepare one to meet a deer.

Additionally, safe driving includes keeping yourself and others safe. Not only does it teach you focus and planning, it also challenges your reaction and response skills. While navigating the road, one must maintain focus and self awareness. Drivers must learn to identify and respond to reckless driving behaviors. Another important aspect of safe driving is vehicle maintenance and ensuring you maintain a properly functioning vehicle.

To protect future generations, we must provide federally mandated drivers ed. Note that the number of driving related deaths is greater than the number of American soldiers who’ve died supporting the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. This greater emphasizing the dangers of driving ill prepared. Drivers ed is important to minimizing the number of driving related deaths.