In early 2014, I learned that my younger cousin died during a tragic accident. My consciousness was rocked. I questioned my grandfather about the cause of the accident. He told me my cousin was driving late one night intoxicated, traveling at a very high rate of speed. He lost control of his vehicle and collided with a tree. He died instantly. My grandfather sat me down and told me how as a police officer he investigated many such accidents. One of his greatest fears was arriving at an accident scene and discovering one of his family members was the victim. He said most accidents occur because of operator negligence or faulty equipment.

In the not too distant future, I will be able to get my learners permit. The death of my cousin alerted me to the importance of drivers ed. I no longer feel that all you need is a car to drive. I was told before I could drive I had to take an online Drivers Ed course. During this course, I learned that driving was more than getting into a car and driving. Some of the things I learned were to always be aware of other drivers, obey speed limits and most of all be courteous of others.

I learned first hand that the weather plays a part also as well.
One summer evening I was a passenger in a car being driven by my grandfather. He was traveling 25 mph above the speed limit. We were on a busy interstate road. It was raining so hard it was difficult to see the car ahead of us. Somehow my grandfather lost control of the car, and it swerved onto the grass beside the emergency lane. The car then went back across the busy roadway in front of oncoming traffic, down the embankment, and it was headed towards a clump of trees while still traveling at a high rate of speed. My grandfather was able to avoid the trees and redirect the car back toward the highway and subsequently coming to a stop on the opposite side of the road. This experience taught me how important it is to be a conscientious and careful driver.

I understand now after taking Drivers Ed, after being involved in an accident, and after instruction from my grandfather that a driver must observe and consider the condition of the road, the ensuing weather condition, and the laws of the highway. These considerations are necessary for the safety of the drivers on our roads today. The material taught in Drivers Ed will help to save lives. We cannot turn the keys over to the next generation without giving them the gift of instruction that will save their lives.