My Dad was a Marine Corps Logistics Officer during and after the events of 9/11. When he was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq at that time, he was a convoy commander. His job was to lead the transport of war materials, medicines, food, and other supplies as they were needed in various parts of the country. He had to do this while avoiding perilous obstacles, such as hidden land mines, enemy attacks, and suicide drivers ramming into their trucks. Today, my Dad is teaching me how to drive. He corrects me when I make a mistake and gives me helpful tips on how to be a better driver. I know that my Dad has a lot of unique experience being a very cautious and safe driver, so I trust him completely. If my Dad had been distracted while he was running the convoys, he or his men might not have survived both of his deployments to Iraq...and then I wouldn’t be here! My Dad’s stories about driving dangerous convoys in Iraq during wartime are a strong and constant reminder to me to stay focused and undistracted while I’m driving.
One of the most common causes of death in the United States is car accidents and reckless driving. Statistics show that about 34,000 people in America die every year due to accidents related to driving. I was astonished to learn that more people have died in the span of 2 years from driving than the total number of deaths of American soldiers in the Vietnam war! Being a member of an active duty military family, this number really hits me close to home. In order to prevent other new drivers like me from driving recklessly, it is important to educate them about these incredible statistics. Mandatory drivers’ education classes give students the time to fully concentrate on the significance of these statistics. Drivers education class is a wonderful way to get young new drivers to take the time to stop and think about the risks and consequences of not paying full attention to the road while driving. Hearing statistics is one thing, but watching videos with real footage of tragic car accidents and discussing these topics with others is the best way to forge a clear picture in the minds of new drivers of what could happen if you text while driving, drive drunk or just don’t pay attention to the road. Driver’s education courses teach students all the information that is vital in order to be a successful driver. Knowing how to drive safely not only protects you, but also everyone else on the road and everyone in your car with you. Driver’s education prepares people for the possible dangers of reckless driving, such as serious injury or death. In order to reduce the number of deaths related to driving, people should be properly educated on how their car works, what to do in case an accident occurs and how to help others if you are involved in an accident. New drivers can also easily find even more information about driving safely from many other different sources, such as the Virginia DMV website. They have a copy of the driving manual for the state, which has all the driving rules and regulations, in addition to problem solving tips on what to do in certain challenging driving situations.
I am very fortunate that I have never been in a car accident. However, I have known a few people who have been in one. For example, my younger cousin was only 6 years old when his mom’s stopped car was hit from behind by a distracted driver. My cousin had to undergo emergency brain surgery and he was lucky to have survived the accident. He is now 12 years old and has had numerous surgeries and non-stop therapies to overcome the damage that the car accident caused to his brain. He continues to have speech problems, eye problems, arm and leg stiffness, and a host of other medical problems that he never would have had before that horrible car accident. Seeing how much my little cousin has suffered the past 6 years is more inspiration for me to drive safely.
In conclusion, driving safely is essential and life saving. Most road accidents are preventable if the driver is properly educated and aware of their surroundings. I personally can be a better and safer driver by taking a driver’s ed course. Also, I can ensure that I do not get distracted while driving by placing my phone out of reach whenever I am driving. I can also have an experienced and adult driver with me in the car, so that I know I am doing what I am supposed to be doing, until I feel confident enough to drive on my own. Because of my Dad’s wartime experience and my cousin’s suffering after his car accident, I personally understand the importance and seriousness of being a safe driver. Combining my personal experience with the knowledge I could gain from a driver’s ed course would be the best steps to take to make me the best and safest driver I can be. Encouraging my peers to take a driver’s ed course and sharing with them my family’s experience with driving will help others to be safe drivers, too.