The Choices of Every Driver

       When an individual decides to take control behind the wheel, they are suddenly responsible for their own safety, the safety of their passengers, and the actions done on the road. Unfortunately, tragic accidents happen, which in most cases, these accidents could have been preventable. According to data collected from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 94% of car crashes stem from human error. There could be many reasons for what could have led to a vehicle collision, but most are caused by human mistakes in which moments before a tragic event, they had a choice to make. Although laws and measures are being established to improve traffic safety and eliminate as much deaths and serious injuries as possible, it is really the decision of drivers who either want to reach their destination safely or not.

             It is important for drivers to understand that it’s not only their own well being they should be concerned about, but they should consider the impact that their choices can make on the life of other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Driver education is the first step that all drivers should take before they begin driving on the road. It ensures that drivers know fully well the rules and navigation of the road, know the laws based on alcohol and drug use, accept the financial responsibilities, and learn how to practice safe driving. For example, in some scenarios, some drivers might consume heavy amounts of alcohol before driving or some drivers might be impatient and drive past the speed limit, which both cases are dangerous decisions made by certain individuals that usually carries tragic consequences afterwards. Driver education can teach the importance of decision-making before or on the road and discuss the horrible effect that might happen if these certain bad choices are taken lightly. With driver education, a person is most likely to make better choices if they truly understand the value of it and practice safe driving.

            As I mentioned before, the first step before an individual decides to sit behind the wheel is driver education because it will give enough knowledge about the necessary rules, practices, and responsibilities on the road. But, of course, it is really up to the person who wants to make these decisions. Driver education teaches that some steps to ensure a safe road trip is to always wear a seatbelt, keep distractions away (phones, tablets, make-up, etc.), be sober, obey speed limits and rules of the road, and ensure that the vehicle is maintained to operate safely on the road. For example, some safe habits I have been taught through driver education was maintaining a safe gap between me and another car, scanning the road for potential outcomes, using my signals to indicate next movement, checking my blindspot often, and following speed limits. Every time I practice driving, I ensure to keep every distraction away, be fully rested, and make reasonable decisions to avoid a terrible consequence.

           Personally, I have never been involved in a car accident, which I am very thankful now that I am still alive. But, I will not lie, every time I go out to drive, I pray that my road trip is safe and that I come back home well again. My driving experience as a learner still has shown me that other drivers really just don’t care about the rules established to maintain safe driving. Many of the drivers I encounter are reckless, they are distractions on their phones, drive past the speed limit, they do not signal when they change lanes or make a turn, and they don’t keep a safe gap between me and other drivers. Although these encounters are quite scary to experience as a learner, it demonstrates that most people disregard the rules once they see other drivers doing the same. This is the reason why I believe that driver education is important for many drivers that want to come back home safely as well as I do. Driving is a huge responsibility, which requires training and basic knowledge, to ensure that these bad choices that usually most drivers make don’t get repeated. 

     To ensure the safety of others on the road, the rules have to be followed from each driver. Driver's education is a great step in doing so as it ensures that every driver knows how to manage their car and be safe. In the end, every driver makes a choice, which these choices can affect the well being of themselves and others on the road.