I strongly believe driver education is very important in reducing the number of deaths from driving. Driver’s education does not only include lessons on how to drive but also the importance and seriousness of safe driving. Educated drivers are safer drivers because they know the rules of driving, they vow to follow the rules of driving, and they have seen how reckless and uneducated drivers can be lethal to themselves and others. Personally, if I was made aware of the dangerous consequences of anything in general, I would be more careful and watch what I am doing more closely. I believe driving should be treated the same way. If drivers are brought to the attention of the disastrous consequences of unsafe driving, then, they are more likely to practice safe driving habits. I believe showing drivers consequences of negative driving habits is one of the best ways to get their attention and help them to understand the importance of safe driving.
To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, I think driver's education should be pushed more in all schools and taken more seriously. I do not think the statistics of driving accidents are talked about enough or taken seriously enough. The statistics are eye-opening and will bring a real shock to new drivers. I also think that stricter laws and consequences on reckless driving would make drivers check themselves and reevaluate the way they drive. I do not believe that drivers should take a driver’s education course online. Too often students do not take online courses seriously. MAny online courses are copied all over the Internet, and students often just look up the answers without ever reading a question or even the answer to the question. I believe that driver’s education should be a face-to-face class where the students have no choice but to pay attention and be held accountable for the work that is required.
I personally have never been in an extremely serious car accident. I have been in a few fender benders here or there while in the passenger seat. I have seen my friends and family driving irresponsibly on several occasions. From drinking and driving to texting and driving, I have witnessed or been around quite a few reckless driving decisions. It is not fun to drive by a wreck and see body bags or demolished cars. It really makes me stop and take a look at my own driving ways. Just two weeks ago, my mom was putting on her makeup while driving down our road. My dad called her, and she leaned over to the passenger seat to swipe open her phone. When she looked back up, she was mere inches from plowing over a mailbox that was on the opposite side of the road. Needless to say, she crossed the other lane and ran through the mailbox and through two yards before coming to a complete stop. She was truly blessed to not have hurt herself, another car, or someone in either yard. It showed me just how quickly a bad decision can change a life. She sliced her front driver’s side tire, destroyed a mailbox, and dented the hood of my dad’s truck that she was driving. She was sore for several days and cost us about $400 between replacing the rim and tire on the truck and the mailbox of our neighbor. My dad still has not gotten an estimate on fixing his truck, but we know it will be costly. I definitely think this was a wakeup call for her. I know it was for me.
I myself can be a better driver by putting my phone out of reach or getting my music started before I take off. I catch myself looking down at a text message or to connect my phone to the bluetooth radio. I can help others drive more carefully by educating myself and sharing what I learn. I can also let them know if they are being reckless while I am in the car with them. There is backseat driving and there is constructive criticism. I can make sure to nicely correct someone and express my concern for my safety, even if it is one of my parents driving.
Overall, driver’s education plays a huge role in reducing the number of deaths related to driving. Strong driver’s education programs allow drivers to be more educated and to share their knowledge. In the end, it is our own individual choice to drive safely; with safe driving knowledge that choice can be easier to make.