Slow
Down

From
the moment I stepped into Drivers Ed, I was told, “driving is a
privilege, not a right.” At what point does that privilege, become
a hazard to everyone around us? Driving has become a necessary form
of transportation. Walking has slowly faded from being a favorable
form of transportation, therefore, we drive. Don’t get me wrong,
driving is a very innovative and useful tool in society, but the
issue isn’t with driving or vehicles. Our issues, is with the
person sitting behind the wheel.  

Safety
is the most important part of becoming a driver. Luckily, driver’s
education classes exist, and provide a classroom environment where
minors or adults can learn the rules of the road, before actually
getting in the driver’s seat. As a minor myself, I’ve recently
been one of the students in these classes, and I see the need for
them. In these classes, students must study the rules that all
drivers are required to follow. In these classes, students watch
videos about incidents where drivers did not follow these rules,
which caused accidents, some of which ended in fatalities. Driver’s
Education classes proved to be beneficial for me, personally. It
allowed me to see the responsibility that coincided with driving,
while allowing me to have enough knowledge to drive confidently. My
only problem with these classes is, they are no longer mandatory once
you’re over the age of 18! Only minors are required to take these
classes, which presents a problem with the drivers we have on the
road. Drivers ed classes are expensive, therefore people
choose to wait until they are no longer a minor to get their license,
instead of paying the class fees. This seems like a red flag, in my
opinion. No matter how old a driver is, they should be required to
take these classes. If all drivers had the same education, this could
prevent future accidents. Proper education and knowledge may allow
all drivers to have a better understanding of driving rules and
responsibility. 
To
reduce the number of deaths related to driving accidents, as I said
previously, drivers ed classes should be required. Other
than the classes, I believe rules already set in place should be
followed more diligently. Speed limits, for example, are often not
followed. Driver’s get comfortable or overconfident behind the
wheel and begin speeding. Going 35mph in a 30mph zone may not seem
like a big deal, but drivers going 85mph on a highway with a 65mph
limit, are pushing it. These drivers are risking not only their own
lives, but the lives of everyone around them. Cracking down on rules
such as speed limits could help further reduce fatalities in driving
crashes, and prevent crashes all together. Another way drivers can
protect themselves and other drivers around them, is by abandoning
any distractions. Drivers should mute cell phone notifications, turn
down the radio, and keep their attention focused on the road, to
ensure the safety of themselves and those around them.