“Dad please forgive me!” I echoed those words after I was hit by another driver. My dad replied, “Sweetheart, you did nothing wrong, it wasn’t your fault! I would not have been able to avoid that accident either, you followed the rules.” Thankfully, my dad and I were ok after the accident. Since then, I have learned from Alabama Public Health that in America, vehicular deaths account for almost half of preventable deaths for individuals that are 18 years of age each year. Driver inexperience, has been cited as the main cause of most deaths. It was also noted that individuals between 16-19 are twice as likely to crash as those 20-24; three times as likely as those 25-29; and more than four times as likely as those 30-69. Among those 16-19 years of age, the youngest drivers have the highest risk. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. An average of 34,000 people die each year as a result of driving, which is more than those who have died in previous wars, per DMV-Edu.org. These crashes are preventable, and proven strategies can improve the safety of young drivers while driving.
     The importance of driver’s education can assist with preventing car crashes among teens and these strategies can improve safety. When taking a driver’s education class, teens become more knowledgeable and self-aware about the laws, safety, and the requirements involved with driving, making them feel more confident about their abilities. Teens learn that they are responsible for their life, the lives of their passengers in their vehicle, and the lives of those drivers in other cars. Taking driver’s education classes can give teens a greater awareness of the responsibility that comes with having a license. I think that the techniques that are taught in driver’s education classes, are life changing. When it comes to rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions, most teens do not know how to react. However, once taught in a driver’s education class, teens are given strategies and life skills on how to react, how to slow down, and how not to become an aggressive driver. Driver’s education instructors will also educate teens on the effects of drinking and driving; as well as, doing drugs while driving and how this can have a negative impact on them if under the influence of alcohol and drugs while driving. A plus about taking a driver’s education course, is that it can also lower your parent’s insurance rate once the class has been successfully completed and driving time has been recorded. Driver’s education courses can assist with preventing car crashes among teens and the strategies taught can improve safety and save the lives of teens and others.
    I have been in an accident before, and can speak first hand on how important it is to know the rules of the road. As I stopped at the red light, I waited patiently for the light to turn green, when it finally turns for me to go,  I paused, looked both ways and preceded into the intersection, and out of nowhere a car crossed the intersection and ran their red light hitting me and several other cars. I knew the rules, applied them, however, the other driver was not as patient, experienced, and apparently had break issues, putting everyone on the road in jeopardy of life altering issues of poor choices made that day to drive a car that needed repair work on the breaks.
We can all help and assist each other in becoming a better and safer driver by following driving rules. We should always take our time and do not speed. Give space between our car and the cars around us. If speeding, this is less time to react in avoiding a car accident, so please drive with caution. We should not have our cell phone in hand and we should not reach for items that may fall on the floor while driving. It is best to have a handsfree device for emergencies and all items safely stored. Getting distracted by a cell phone or items in the car can take focus of the road, and off of other drivers. Being a responsible driver and not drinking and using drugs is so important for everyone’s life on the road. Driving reckless like this can turn legal and give one time in jail, it is not worth your life and the lives of others to drive while under the influence. Knowing your car is also very important in becoming a safe driver. If something doesn’t feel right about your car and the mechanics of it, say something to an adult, or go to a repair shop and get it checked out. Becoming a safer driver is easy and a personal responsibility for everyone to become better at it.
The importance of becoming a safe and educated driver really starts with taking driver’s education classes. Driving on the road only without taking the classes will not prepare you for the unexpected. However, the classes can give more insight, facts, and confidence to those who experience the class. Not only that, but it can also help save lives.