Driver's ed is something I am a firm believer in. Having ridden with friends who drive recklessly, I've witnessed firsthand how dangerous it is when people don't take their role as a driver seriously. Driver's ed isn't so much about learning to drive a vehicle—it's about learning to respect the road, the people around you, and most importantly, yourself. It teaches us to be aware of the perils of speeding and makes us know what happens if we do poorly on the roads. If everyone learned more appropriate, more thorough driver education, I honestly do believe that there would be fewer accidents and fatalities.

The worth of driver education cannot be stated too highly. It is far more than mere learning the basics like how to parallel park and how to decipher road signs. The true value lies in learning to drive carefully, learning to keep your cool when in pressure situations, and how minute mistakes can result in gigantic faux pas. A good driver's education course should not only instruct on the mechanics of driving, but it should also emphasize awareness—how to notice what's going on around you, how to be defensive in case something bad happens, and how to avoid dangerous things like speeding or texting while driving. I can't stress enough how valuable this kind of education is, especially for new drivers who don't fully comprehend how much danger they're putting themselves and others in.

Unfortunately, I've been in a position where I've witnessed my friends driving in a reckless manner, and it's terrifying. I've had friends drive fast through neighborhood streets, take corners without signaling, or glance at their phone while driving. Each time, I'd get that queasy feeling in my stomach—knowing that one mistake would flip everything around. I'd always correct them for it, even if they got angry with me. I don't care if it makes me the "overly cautious" friend—if it keeps everyone safe, I'll speak up. I remember one time, a friend was speeding on the highway and weaving in and out of lanes. I asked them to slow down, and they told me I was being an overreactionist. I did not back down. I told them if they did not stop driving like that, I would get out of the car. It was not easy, but they eventually pulled over and I got out. It was likely one of the most uncomfortable moments, but for real, I've never been more sure of a decision. I wasn't going to risk my life just to save someone from an uncomfortable situation.

The worst part for me is seeing how many people, including my friends and family, have driven carelessly without thinking about the consequence. It's frustrating because I know they don't always realize just how dangerous their actions are. Sometimes, they think it’s no big deal to drive a little faster or glance at their phone for just a second. But I’ve seen too many stories on the news about people who thought the same thing—and never made it home. Those stories make me even more determined to call out bad driving, no matter the situation.

There’s also the issue of peer pressure. It's easy to get into the frame of mind of "everybody else is doing it," speeding or ignoring safety precautions. But I have personally pledged to myself that I will never compromise my own safety or someone else's safety. I don't ride with a driver who is driving foolishly, and I made them aware that if I ever witness someone driving irresponsibly, I will tell them so. I've even had to get friends to pull over when I've felt threatened, and while it's uncomfortable, I've always felt good about myself for standing up for what I stand for. It's not being a buzzkill; it's taking the initiative to make sure everyone gets to where they're going in one piece.

Being a safe driver is not just about avoiding dangerous behavior—it is also about affecting others. I try to affect others by doing what I say when I'm driving. I make sure that I follow the speed limit, do not use my phone while driving, and always wear my seatbelt. I've also developed the habit of telling my friends and relatives about the need for safe driving. Sometimes it's uncomfortable to sit them down and have those conversations, but I know that it must be done. I'll remind them to slow down, stay awake, and watch the road. Sometimes it's just getting them to notice what they're doing, especially if they're used to driving in a way that is reckless or dangerous.

Other than that, I've also discovered that the most effective way to teach change is by teaching a culture of responsibility. If we all look out for each other, we can make the roads a lot safer. I think it's worth being the kind of friend who will speak up about dangerous driving, even if it makes you feel uncomfortable. I've found that when I comment on bad driving, other people feel more comfortable doing so too. It creates this ripple effect whereby people start to think more about being responsible on the road.

Whether I try and try or not, I also realize that we all have our role to ensure the roads are safe. I can do mine, but I also have to make sure I'm among people who value road safety. One must speak when the moment is appropriate and not shy away from uncomfortable silences. No one should hesitate to complain about dangerous driving. If everyone took a vow to prioritize safety, it could be very simple to reduce the number of road fatalities and injuries.

In conclusion, driver education is one of the solutions to making our roads safer. The more we know about irresponsible driving risks and the more defensive we drive, the fewer lives we will lose. Not just the technical aspects of driving should be learned but also the attitude and sense of responsibility involved in being behind the wheel. I've experienced my own share of scary incidents with drivers of cars who were extremely reckless, but they made me even more determined to say something and do my part in making sure we were all safe. If we all took driver's education seriously and watched each other's backs, we could make the roads safer for us all.