Driving can be a dangerous responsibility. All a car really is is a massive explosive device crafted inside a frame of metal, plastic, and seat-warming leather. A recent study has shown that there are 22 fatalities per 100,000 vehicles in the state of Arizona alone. I believe that smart people make smart decisions. This principle applies to all aspects of life. The path to gain intelligence is through education. From elementary school to college to apprenticeships, to be educated is of vital importance to a person’s survival. A very important aspect of education that isn't often discussed however, is driver education. Some people may learn to drive through experience driving other similar vehicles like tractors and golf carts, and some may learn it themselves. However, drivers’ education is very important because it’s completed professionally. While parents and practice can be helpful, I believe that the most important tool is practice with a professional driver in the environment of a student. By being educated, drivers will be more knowledgeable and therefore safer, leading to a reduction in deaths on the road. In Drivers’ Ed you are able to get first-hand experience on the dangers and distractions that you may encounter on the road, such as accidents, uneven roads, and texting. Another recent survey revealed that only around 80% of licensed drivers have taken a Drivers’ Education course. I would like to see that number grow significantly.
According to USA TODAY, there are nearly 43,000 fatal crashes a year in America. In order to help the statistics go down, drivers must take some steps as a society. Firstly, a good driver must keep their eyes on the road at all times. The most common cause of vehicular deaths is distracted driving. Whether by texting, annoying passengers, or an interesting environment, driving can be very difficult to do without paying attention to everything that you see and hear. A good driver knows to block out any and all distractions that may hinder their driving skills, which is something that every driver should practice. The second step is to be aware of where you're going and adapt to changing conditions. Unexpected things can happen on the road at any time and a skilled driver knows to be aware of everything surrounding their vehicle. Planning ahead is important. The Final step is to make sure that you as a person are in the proper physical condition by avoiding circumstances that could impair driving, such as alcohol. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 31% of all car crash deaths in America involve drunk drivers. By staying healthy and free of physical impairment, a driver can make better decisions.
In 2015, I was driving home from school with my grandmother when a car hit the back of my grandmother’s car. Thankfully, no one was injured, but it was my first-ever experience being in a car accident after only hearing about them. It definitely served as a shock to my systems. It took almost 7 months for the body shop to acquire the parts to repair the damage. So, for a while whenever I saw her car I was reminded of the incident.
I have been lucky enough to have a ton of hands-on driving experience. In order to help myself be a better driver, I had to take steps in order to feel more confident. My first step was to listen to whoever was teaching me at the time. Whether it be my driving instructor or my parents, I always try to follow their directions and match what they were doing. This especially proved true when I was learning how to park. The second step that I took was to remember to stay calm. I recognize that not wanting to drive could result in me panicking, so I had mentally calm myself. Even in difficult scenarios I knew that keeping a cool head was very important to my survival and safety on the road. Above all, the step that I took was that I relied on support from my family members and driving instructor. If someone you know is learning to drive, you need to be supportive of them. You can practice with them, help them study for tests, assist them with any questions, and be a polite passenger. In order to drive safely you need to understand that it is each driver’s personal responsibility to be a safe driver on the road.