Driving is a leading cause of death throughout the United States. One small mistake can take innocent lives within seconds. Driver education is an important topic, filled with necessary information every driver should be responsible for memorizing. For example, a new driver is unaware that a flashing red light means it should be treated as a stop sign. If another driver was not looking and the new driver proceeded, a collision could occur, causing severe injuries to both parties. All drivers should be educated on all signs, signals, and warning signs associated with driving, reducing the risk for mistakes and accidents. Many mistakes will continue to occur taking countless lives If even a few drivers are not educated. Knowing the rules of the road can be compared to the statement, you must be able to read before you can write. Before, you drive a car, you should be educated on what you will experience while doing so. In today’s day in age, electric cars are starting to be integrated more and more, and so are self-driving cars. These vehicles may drive themselves, but that doesn’t mean they should be trusted.

For deaths caused by accidents to lessen, I believe drivers ed should be a mandatory class in all high schools. Students should be deeply educated on driving because it’s something they will do for the rest of their lives. By teaching this in schools, students will be forced to takes tests on all driving related information, ensuring they have a deep understanding on operating a vehicle and the dangers associated with doing so. This idea will also help families who may not have time to teach children or those who may come from low-income households. By instituting this idea, driver education will skyrocket because it will be taught throughout the country. Especially, when I took my driver’s test during the Covid-19 pandemic, many drivers didn’t study or read a handbook because of the virus. Everything was made easier due to the state of the world. This class should also show students the consequences of actions when driving. They could be shown severe accidents and the aftermath to show students just how dangerous driving can be. Schools, should also have an accident scene, showing the dangers of drinking and driving. Local police offers can assist in this idea, especially during dances such as prom or homecoming, these are major drinking nights for high school aged kids.

I have had several family members sustain injuries because of an accident. My dad for example, was hit by a wrong way driver just a few minutes from our house, he was driving to work at the time. I also had an uncle, who was hit by a distracted driver and was never the same. He was confined to a nursing home bed, for several years until he passed away. I got to see first-hand, the difference from that accident. He could barely speak and would remember my name at times. He was never able to walk and was transported in his wheelchair. I visited him frequently as a young child, these memories forever instilled in my brain as the consequences of someone’s stupid actions. He was a father who never got to see his daughter get married or graduate, all because someone decided to drive under the influence of alcohol, instead of paying a few dollars and saving a life.

I was only just recently involved in my first accident; it was a minor one. I was the passenger in my work vehicle and was hit on the driver’s side. Thankfully, no injuries were sustained. That accident provided me with another perspective of driving. Many people rely on their cars, to get their children and attend work every day. Some people can’t afford the costs associated with an accident. This concept could do directly kill someone but could in a metaphorical sense. By taking away someone’s pay, even for just a few hours, could change a life. Those few dollars could be the difference between a place to live and sleeping on the streets.

To become a safe driver and ensure others as well, all drivers should be deeply educated about the aspects of driving. They should also always be aware of their surroundings and the conditions in which they will be driving in. Many deaths or injuries can result due to slick roads or flooding in the area. A driver should also never drive impaired. This includes under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Under these substances, your brain is not fully functioning and cognizant. If you see a friend, make a mistake will driving, you should mention it to them and educate them on the topic. That small comment and fight after could save an innocent life in the future.