The Importance of Driver's Education in Reducing Deaths

The importance of driver’s education in reducing deaths as a result of driving is significant in a number of ways. First, young driver’s education students often do not realize the statistics of death rates due to unsafe driving. Students learn first hand the effects of inattentive, reckless, and dangerous driving; whether that be from texting while driving, speeding, driving under the influence, and more. In driver’s education classes, students are made aware of the ramifications of dangerous driving. Furthermore, students are required to attend a 3 hour presentation to listen to survivors and victims of unsafe driving. This made a huge impact on me personally and helped me to understand the responsibility and privilege that comes with driving.

Maintaining driving laws, state patrol, and law enforcement will help reduce traffic fatalities. The laws and rules we have in effect for earning your license will communicate to young drivers that driving is a privilege that needs to be taken seriously. Increasing the severity of consequences due to irresponsible drivers should also be taken more into consideration, such as penalizing drivers who drive irresponsibly or while under the influence. The tickets and fines for these offenses should deter drivers from bad habits. Drivers with too many tickets could face paying more to reinstate their driving licenses as well as more strict standards of maintaining their license. In addition to enforcing the laws, insurance companies can provide incentives to safe drivers such as lower insurance rates. 

Luckily, I have not experienced being in a car accident. I have seen people driving irresponsibly in many situations. For example, students leaving the high school far too fast, or students hitting a vehicle in the parking lot, and not knowing or caring to leave some form of identification, but rather driving away and leaving the scene. Another example of irresponsible driving that I have witnessed is seeing drivers who disregard stop signs or make turns when they do not have the right of way.

The things I can do personally to be a safe driver are simple: follow the law and use good judgment. It’s important to remember that driving is a privilege; not a right. As a driver, I must remember that I am not the only person on the road. I must constantly be aware of my surroundings and other people; whether it is other drivers or people using the road for various reasons. Driving defensively is also a key part of driving, being aware of other drivers on the road and not trusting anyone to make the correct decision. Following the speed limit and being aware of road regulations and rules, as well as keeping my personal vehicle in good condition and being ready if hiccups occur, which they can and will for any driver. Wearing a seatbelt at all times and leaving my cell phone out of sight are habits I follow.