Driver's education is imperative because it ensures that people who possess no suitable driving information are not on the road. Car deaths have increased because more people are put on the road without going through a suitable driver's education class. Having lived in a city like Houston has made me realize my driving experiences so much more and has led me to become an even more defensive driver. My parents taught me the importance of safety as a child, and I never forgot it. Driver's education programs ensure individuals are taught traffic laws, signs, and defensive driving techniques before getting into a vehicle. By prioritizing driver education, we can reduce accidents and ensure the roads are safer for everyone.
One of the most effective ways to reduce driving deaths is to ensure all new drivers even complete a good driver's education class. These courses teach valuable skills, such as defensive driving, the recognition of roadway hazards, and handling emergencies. But education is not enough. The most important thing to do after learning about the rules is to practice. Practicing driving during your free time is also very important because it increases confidence and response time. More strict laws against drunk driving and distracted driving can prevent many avoidable accidents. Encouraging responsible choices, such as not using your cell phone while driving or wearing a seatbelt every time you get in the car, can also prevent death. Teenagers, in particular, need to know the risks of dangerous driving and make better choices.
It was an extremely traumatic experience being in a vehicle because, although I wasn't driving, I was in the backseat and I knew how risky it is when an individual does not have proper driving training. My parents and I had just come back from a Kwanzaa celebration in December 2017, and my parents had purchased a brand-new Ford truck a few months before this. We were exiting the event and driving on a very busy street in Third Ward, Texas, when a vehicle pulled and stopped in the middle of a road island in the middle of a four-way street. My father was driving at the regular speed when the individual who hit us was not paying attention and cut in front of him, hitting my father. The driver of the car was uninsured, so my father, a good citizen that he is, did not sue him. Learning about being involved in a car accident at such a young age taught me that driving is something to be taken seriously. It is a situation defense where you are never quite attentive and awake to get from point A to point B. Every day, getting into a car, whether I am a passenger with a driver or driving myself, I am risking my life and need to understand the consequences of not being a good driver who is aware of road laws.
Ever since taking an online driving course and getting additional practice lessons, I could take and pass my driving test in January 2025. I received my driver’s license later in the mail. I originally got my learner’s permit in the summer of 2023 when I was 15 and spent a lot of time practicing with my parents. I would see my older sister drive a lot and she made me take driving seriously. I am proud to drive safely, and all the people who ride with me tell me I am a safe driver, even driving better than most grown-ups sometimes. I thank those individuals so much for those compliments and words of encouragement, but it never makes me stop emphasizing the importance of driver's education. I've had some driving experiences since I got my driver's license where there was somebody who was not driving appropriately, so my defensive driving took over and I had to think quickly with caution. These experiences have taught me the importance of being on my toes and always expecting the unexpected when driving.
A few of the things I can do to improve my defensive driving and attitude as a driver are to always be paying attention and to get rid of as many distractions as possible. Having distractions such as the radio on or my phone next to me is highly tempting, but I know they can be dangerous. I believe as a teenager, all that stuff keeps me energized, but has the potential to be very distracting on the road. Driving might be exhausting traveling home from school but, there is never an instance where I should let my guard down. Especially when we're teenagers, of fatalities while driving because we're new drivers and we still have to get used to driving. Drunk driving is another typical issue for teenagers, and I don't agree with drinking and driving at all. If I'm driving someone somewhere, I feel it's my responsibility to make sure that they're safe, as well as myself.
Not being a good driver is not just about being a good driver and knowing how to drive by the rules of the road; it also involves being a safe driver for other people on the road. It is not always your fault to be involved in a car accident or experiencing road rage based on another person’s action, but maybe it is because another individual is not a safe driver or lacks proper driving knowledge. Since I received my license, I have ensured that I continue improving my driving skills, being aware, and constantly considering other people's safety. I would like to be a good example to my peers and ensure that we all drive responsibly. As I look forward to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner and working with kids, I know how important safety and responsibility are in every aspect of life, including driving.
Driver education plays an important role in reducing car fatalities. My personal experiences, ranging from observing a car accident to receiving my driver's license, have shaped my mindset about safe driving. Through staying alert, defensive driving, and motivating others to respect safety, I can contribute to making the roads safer for everyone.