Safety Saves

Most youth neglect to understand that driving isn't just a step into adulthood. Prior to operating a vehicle, it is significant that everyone completely grasps the risks related to cars. Therefore, laws have been passed that require a driver's instruction course to be finished before a teen can get a license. These driver's training courses must be endorsed by the state. The individuals who don't wish to participate in a drivers ed course have the alternative of waiting until they turn 18 years of age to acquire their license, yet driver's training courses are significant when getting ready to get out on the road.

These courses teach young drivers to operate a vehicle on occupied interstates, around evening time, and during different hazardous driving conditions. In spite of the fact that it might appear to be irrelevant, the driver's instruction focuses on the significance of adjusting a vehicle's steering wheel, seat, and back and side-view mirrors. Additionally, the courses incorporate communicating while driving, entering and leaving traffic, utilizing turn paths, switching to another lane, and changing the vehicles' speed when necessary.

Shockingly, the main source of death for adolescents is car accidents. Sixteen-year-old drivers have a higher accident rate than drivers of older ages. Due to these rates, it is essential to be completely instructed in vehicle and street safety before operating a vehicle. Finishing a driver's instruction course before obtaining one's license will help keep young people alive by explaining simple vehicle control and traffic moves.

When it comes to teen fatality via car accidents, preventative action is better than corrective. Most young adults decide to skip driver’s instruction courses because of the cost. If the drivers ed was offered at a cheaper rate, more drivers would be able to get the proper instruction. Another way to reduce deaths that are related to driving is to offer rewards for safe driving. Incentives motivate people to do good, especially young people. Families can reward safe driving with incentives such as money, favorite meals, and leniency. Schools can reward students for safe driving by offering free admissions to events and games, giving extra credit, and even by giving recognition.

At the age of sixteen, I was in a car accident due to an irresponsible driver. As I was slowing down to make a left turn, I was rear-ended. The man who hit my car was on his phone at the time and he also had a loose pet in the passenger seat. In CA, it is legal to have loose pets in the car, but highway patrol advises against it because pets are a distraction. However, texting while driving is illegal. My car ended up being totaled, but luckily I only had minor scratches. I was put into a life-altering situation due to distracted driving and because of this, I will always value driver safety.

Safe driving starts with one’s self. For me, the first step to safe driving is buckling up. In the event of a car accident, I know that my seatbelt will keep me safe. Another thing I can do to become a safer driver is to restrict the access I have to my phone. If I put my phone in the glovebox or turn it off, I will be less distracted when I am driving. I can also minimize distractions by setting up a playlist so that I don’t have to continuously search for music to listen to. If I implement the things I learned during my driver’s training courses, I will be a safe driver who is helping prevent danger on the road.