As a newly experienced driver, it has come to my attention that there are not so many good drivers out there, especially here in Texas. Drivers can be categorized into two categories, either you're a safe driver or not. In my opinion, it’s impossible to differentiate between good and bad drivers because even the good drivers make poor decisions when they drive, so it is a matter of if they show integrity when operating the vehicle. With the rise of car accidents and the amount of deaths we have seen in recent years, I have drawn to conclusion how driver education is important to this number and the steps we can take to fix it based on my personal experience.

Driver’s education is the base of the learning process in what driving really is. Driving is essential to our everyday lives and is valuable, meaning many parents attempt to teach their young teens early on. With this in mind, I would assume many parents would enroll their children in a driving course, however that is not always the case. Most accidents and deaths while operating a vehicle are young teens who haven’t completed their driver’s education. Not only does driver's education propose knowledge about how to operate a vehicle, but it also tells us what not to do on the road. Teens are open to making poor decisions, as most of us are not mature and smart enough to understand the consequences of our actions. Going 80mph on a 40 is unnecessary, or drinking and driving is “cool” and now that you’ve done it once you think you can keep doing it. It’s not all about poor decisions, but it’s also important to have an understanding of the ways you can ensure the least amount of accidents.

To support this argument, I will use my friend as an example. Although my friend was one of the first ones to learn how to drive and complete his driving course within the friend group, he leaves me in fear everytime I drive with him. We call him the master of tailgating, because he quite literally tailgates the whole time. Irresponsible driving may seem fun at first, until someone has to break because of another irresponsible driver on the road, leading to your collision. Not only this, but what do you even gain from tailgating? Another common form of irresponsible driving is speeding. What frustrates me the most is the fact that not only is this type of driving unsafe, but they are wasting crazy amounts of gasoline. One sudden mistake and our lives are gone. Aggressive and risky drivers are the worst to be around, because not only they put their life in danger, but also yours and the other people around you.

The best driver’s are the safe drivers. As a recent driver, I’ve tried to be as safe as possible. One thing for sure is that being a safe driver is the best possible way to avoid accidents. I believe the three safest procedures to avoid an accident are: 1. Maintain focus at all times, 2. Maintain safe distance, 3. Don’t be a risk taker. As a new driver, I try to be the safest driver possible because not only am I a rookie in driving, but if I somehow end up crashing my dad’s car, I am done for. As a Texan, it’s hard to believe there are any nice and patient driver’s here. Driver’s here are so bad that they are tailgating in school zones. Basically, don’t be an impatient driver, especially down here in Texas because Impatient Driver+Impatient Driver=Good Bye Car. Be aware as you operate a vehicle, because a green light doesn’t necessarily mean you're 100% safe. You might encounter a reckless and impatient driver who is probably late to work, who proceeds to take the red light. Next thing you know you look up and boom, car accident because you weren’t paying attention. Next, maintain a safe distance. All though this sounds messed up, my friend and I love watching car accidents because of how dumb drivers can be. One type of accident that should not be happening are tailgating accidents. I’ve seen many videos where someone is tailgating another driver who might have to break so hard because there was another dumb driver on the road. What could have been a normal break turns out to be five cars running into each other, sort of bringing a domino effect. Lastly, what I believe is the most important step, is avoiding risks. I get it sometimes you want to risk the turn because you are in a hurry and have been hit by non stop red lights. I’ve been there before. But guess what, there’s other drivers who think a lot who are most likely to do the same. Decision making and being experienced enough to understand what is a smart risk and a dumb one can be key to whether you lose your car or not.

I believe parents should be more strict in the way they teach their kids and allow them to operate a vehicle. I’ve never seen a child learn how to learn how to drive on their own. I believe how someone learns to drive starts with a parent. If the parent doesn’t teach their child, then list them in a driving course. Not only this, but enlisting with an experienced person because if your parent is a bad driver, you are in the wrong.