The Importance of Drivers Education in Current Society

Madison Reckman

Drivers Education Scholarship Essay

11-30-2019

The Importance of Drivers ed in Current Society

Driving is one of the most dangerous things a person is legally able to do. Everytime you get behind the wheel your life could potentially be at risk. About 34,000 people die each year from driving related accidents. This number is significant; the loss of life a year from vehicle related deaths is greater than the total casualties from the Korean war, one of the top five deadliest combat wars in the United States. Although the amount of deaths has decreased from 2005’s yearly statistics of over 40,000 deaths a year, there are more ways that vehicle deaths can be prevented. This could ultimately lead to thousands of lives saved every year, lowering the amount of vehicle fatalities.

Driver’s education can reduce the amount of fatalities by teaching new drivers the consequences of their actions while they're driving. This is extremely important to convey to kids because even though it's their decision, irresponsible driving can hurt others as well. If driver’s education shows students’ consequences and tells them how not to act while driving, they will be more inclined to follow the rules of the road.

Rules and tips to stay safe while driving are taught during driver’s education. Arguably one of the most important lessons included in drivers ed is teaching new drivers to stay off their mobile devices. My family was negatively affected because of this problem. My uncle got into a car accident on the highway. As a result of this accident, he lost his arm. The accident however, was not his fault. It was the other drivers fault. The driver was a teenage girl who became distracted while using her phone and driving. If the girl driving would have known how she would affect my uncle and his life, she probably wouldn’t have made the decision to use her device. Teaching these effects with stories that stick with new drivers can reduce the occurence of these instances.

People who have been close to someone affected by a car accident or who have been personally affected by a car accident are more likely to be more careful while behind the wheel. This includes putting away electronic devices while driving. Other ways of staying safe behind the wheel include: always wearing a seatbelt, focusing all attention on the road, and knowing your limits. Knowing your limits when driving is a suggestion that often is forgotten. If there is a storm and you feel unsafe driving, pull over to the nearest safe area and wait until the rain slows down. If the music in the car is too loud and passengers are being rowdy, know when to intervene and ask for some quiet so you can concentrate on getting to your destination safely. Knowing your limits when it comes to driving can help avoid many unwanted mistakes.

Taking these few steps and following the lessons from drivers ed can not only improve your driving experience as a new driver—it saves lives.