In the Driver's Seat

Driver education has been proven to be extremely important in reducing the number of deaths and car accidents in driving. Teens and adults who have taken drivers ed, studies have proven, the statistics of number of deaths and car accidents have drastically reduced, compared to those who hadn’t taken drivers ed.

Steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is taking classes in driving to better understand the laws and regulations, and experience when driving. By taking these driving classes, students and people taking these courses are able to grasp a stronger understanding of driving and experience by experts themselves. Another step which can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is increasing public transportation.

Public transportation is a great way to reduce the number of people driving on the road, traffic, and car accidents and deaths, as fewer people are driving instead. With the number of people not driving, traffic, and the number of people who can face a car accident on the road is greatly reduced. Many of the accidents while driving is related to driving under the influence or distracted driving. With people taking public transportation, such as the train for example, people can stay on their phones or those under the influence, without the risk of causing an accident as they aren’t driving. As public transportation reduces more cars on the road, people can also face less road rage for example, in a scenario where traffic is extremely long. People can become impatient, but public transportation can help reduce the time, as there is less cars on the road, which also means less accidents.

I’ve heard and seen from my family members before who’ve been in a car accident as a result of their irresponsibility or others irresponsibility. The stress, fear, and agonizingly long time to sort everything out due to a car accident affected them greatly. When I began to take drivers ed, I started to notice the wrong or improper aspects of others when driving. I began to notice simple things that I myself, or others when driving, did and didn’t do, such as checking the mirrors, signaling, or trying not to become distracted. I noticed when cars drove too fast above the speed limit, when people didn’t signal, or when other cars changed lanes without signaling or checking properly.

As someone who has taken drivers ed and is driving, I learned and realized the importance of driving safely on the road. The number one cause of death in teens and young adults is motor vehicle accidents. As a teenager myself, while driving, I realized the potential dangers that I could pose or others could, if not understanding the importance of driving safely. To become a better driver is necessary with more experience. I always remind myself or have others to, when driving, what aspects of driving must I remember to do, such as checking my mirrors, turning on the lights when it’s appropriate, and signaling.

Other alternatives I take are often public transportation, as not only is it better environmentally, but I myself can become or pose a lower risk to others and myself, them. I also often inform my friends and family members when driving to always remember to SMOG or do simple things that they may easily forget or choose not to do. Then I’ve also had them remind me myself, and proper aspects to become a safer driver when driving. Driving safely is necessary with more experience as I and others continue to drive and learn. But I, and others can greatly reduce the risk of car accidents as I continue to follow the proper rules and important aspects when driving, continuing to inform others and myself the important aspects when driving, and reducing the number of cars on the road with public transportation instead.