Driver education is essential to reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. Taking driving classes makes people better drivers because they are taught the rules of the road. Personally, I took drivers education classes. I took three lessons spanning across a couple weeks. Each lesson lasted a few hours. Initially, I was taught what all the buttons in the car do, specifically the hazard lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, defrosters, and more. Then I was taught how to drive in the neighborhood, and I learned how to make complete stops at stop signs and when you can turn on red. I practiced parallel parking and driving downtown. Finally, I learned how to drive on the highway, which was nerve wracking at first. However, having a trained driver in the car with me helped to calm me down. I believe that making these classes mandated before someone obtains a driver's license would reduce the number of deaths related to driving. In addition, requiring people to drive sixty hours with a permit would also be beneficial. I had to drive sixty hours with a permit before I received my license. I often drove with my mom in the passenger seat to help me with directions. I even drove to Virginia, which is six hours from my home, in this fashion. During this trip, I drove in the rain, dark, and on the highway. I believe this experience improved my confidence with driving and gave me more practice. Having more harsh punishments for drinking and driving might also reduce the number of deaths due to car accidents. Drinking and driving greatly increases a person’s chance of crashing and hurting themself and others.
I have never been in a car accident myself, but some of my family members have. My mom has been in two car accidents throughout her life, but neither were her fault. She was hit from behind in both instances. From these accidents, she has obtained injuries that still bother her to this day. If more drivers were educated, these accidents might not have happened. Furthermore, my brother was almost in an accident a few weeks ago. He was driving straight through a green light when a car turned left on red. Thankfully, he had quick reflexes and was able to break before colliding with the turning car. He caught the whole event on his car dashcam. Also, I have seen some family members drive recklessly. The most common offense is driving over the speed limit. This never made sense to me. Even if you drive ten miles over the speed limit, it is likely you won't reach the destination much sooner. Therefore, it is better to drive the speed limit or under if the weather conditions are poor. I always inform my family to try to drive under the speed limit.
I believe that I can always become a better driver. I can take more classes if I want a refresher later in my life. My dad told me that he would teach me how to drive manual cars soon. He has a Miata that he races in his free time that is a stick shift. Learning how to drive different kinds of cars would greatly benefit me as a driver since I would become more well-rounded. I plan to drive to Georgia with my mom during spring break to tour a college. This additional practice with an experienced driver will make me more comfortable when I am driving alone in places I do not recognize. Having a safer car also makes me a safer driver. My dad showed me how to check my oil to make sure it is at an adequate level. He helps me fix my car when problems arise. For instance, I had an issue with my engine that made my car jolt when it drove. Fixing that issue helped me to become a safer driver. I would love to learn how to fix other parts of my car. To make others safer drivers, I can teach them what I learn, such as driving techniques or safety information. I can also encourage them to not use their phone while driving because this could lead to the death of others. Being distracted even for a moment can have disastrous consequences. Another way drivers are easily distracted is when they eat, drink, or do makeup in the car. I can ask my friends not to partake in these distracting activities while driving.