Safety
is not Automatic

Driver
education is essential in the sense that like any other learned
course, it equips you with the knowledge to operate a car properly
for your safety and that of other road users. In addition to
information based on mechanics, it also ensures that you are provided
with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for vehicle safety
both as a driver and as a pedestrian.


Originally,
I come from a country where speeding limits are breached routinely.
People speed for various reasons but mostly revel in the thrill they
get from the wind blowing against their faces when behind a wheel.
This ecstasy develops into some sort of high and they act with
reckless nonchalance towards other road users. This speed induced
high is absolutely dangerous and the reason why my maternal uncle is
no more. Ignorant of his early demise that day, he was in the process
of crossing the road to get food for the family when a speeding
vehicle rammed into him and dispatched him to his early grave. Speed
is obviously not the only road rule to be adhered to but, it is a key
factor and the integral reason accidents occur in the first place.

A
student is dependent on an instructor's lessons to practicalize all
that has been taught. Therefore, a principal obligation of making the
content more engaging, responsive to the needs of the youths, and
adapting the teaching so that it is well assimilated, should be
fundamental for those who provide drivers ed.

Furthermore,
in a bid to ensure student cooperation, I believe that requisite
supervision should be carried out on students. This method would
aptly monitor whether or not students retain what is being taught.


In
addition, adequate test drives should be enforced so as to monitor
progress satisfactorily. Also, it should be a requirement that
relevant information about the rules of the road is made available to
students and held in their possession always. Not just during driver
education classes.

Most
importantly, I feel it is essential to duly note the paths parents
pave for their children as role models on the road. Parents should
model thorough driving etiquette so that the likelihood of the child
picking up on such responsible behaviors can be achieved.

Although
I am not a driver yet, I know there are numerous rules and
regulations on driving that are yet to be followed, as seen in death
toll numbers. My parting advice would be to maintain and adhere to
the rules set in the classroom and society in general, which includes
observing driving limits, never drive under influence, refrain from
texting and driving, among others. Importantly, there is time for
everything so using a cellphone, eating, playing and the likes should
be avoided when driving. Current drivers should be respectful, law
abiding, and follow all traffic rules and regulations.


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