Driver education is very important to reduce the number of deaths resulting from driving. Accidents on the road claim numerous lives each year, making it imperative to focus on initiatives that promote responsible driving behavior. This can be done by having improved driver education. If the younger generation is taught how to drive properly around the time that they start, it is more likely that they would build their driving habits on this proper driver education, resulting in them driving more safely and reducing the deaths on the road. The steps that need to be taken for this include required driver education in high school. If this becomes a requirement to graduate high school, many more people will receive this education and over time, the percent of drivers that have received driver education will increase. There are many different important things that can be taught at these required driver education classes such as: necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to navigate the complexities of modern road systems. Along with these driving basics that it would improve, it would also help with things like theoretical understanding, practical training, and awareness of safety regulations. Some other important effects of driver education include an increase in awareness of the importance of adherence to speed limits, the dangers of distracted driving, and the significance of wearing seat belts. If these steps are taken to add driver education as a requirement for high school graduation, and these important skills and knowledge are taught, there will be a major decrease in deaths caused by driving.
Though I have never been in a car accident, I have been in a car with a friend who was driving irresponsibly. One time, I was in a situation where I was sitting in the passenger’s seat with my friend, who was driving. This friend has a very adventurous spirit and carefree attitude. So you would expect that his driving isn’t the safest, and you would be right. There were many different choices he made that I found unsafe, and if my parents knew about them, they would not let me go with him in a car ever again. There was one time where he took a dangerous turn as he pushed the limits of recklessness during our drive. He somehow seemed very excited and continued accelerating, while I was next to him scared for my life because of his complete disregard for road safety. The speedometer climbed, and he weaved through traffic with audacity, pushing the boundaries of recklessness. Attempts to voice concerns were met with dismissive laughter, and my nervous glances at speed limit signs went unnoticed. Then, at one point, just before I was about to actually make a comment on his recklessness, there was a millisecond when he later claimed that he had lost complete control and I believe it because I could feel the car skidding. Luckily, there weren’t any cars near, he regained control of the car and we were alright. A few seconds later, I told him to slow down and stop the car on the shoulder. After he did, there was an awkward silence for at least a minute as both of us were taking deep breaths. Then, I asked him if he was okay. After he responded with an I think so, I told him to start the car up again and drive home, but slowly. On that ride home, he drove so slowly there were elders driving past us. We were not talking at all either. We were both just dead silent and so shocked about what had just happened. Though I cannot know for sure, after this day, he never drove recklessly like that again because of that traumatic experience.
That day served as a wake-up call, it made us realize that reckless driving can lead to serious consequences and it led to a reevaluation of our shared adventures and the need for responsible decision-making behind the wheel. It was a reminder that even though it may seem fun at the moment, driving recklessly is very dangerous and should never compromise people’s safety. We learned that safe driving is a responsibility that is shared by everyone on the road for each other’s well-being, because recklessness could hurt not only us, but also other innocent people on the road.
To become a better and safer driver myself, there is one main thing I need to think about if I am ever close to driving irresponsibly. It is that by doing this, I am putting my own life in danger along with the lives of many others who did nothing to deserve this. Though this will help me, it will not necessarily cause everyone to feel the need to drive safely. Due to this conflict, all high schools should make driver education a requirement to graduate.