As
the younger sibling in my family, I have been able to learn from a
plethora of my older brother’s mistakes. One of these recurring
mistakes would be him driving irresponsibly. Over three car
accidents, one totaled car and countless lectures from my parents, it
seems that he has finally learned that safer is in fact better than
sorry. Not only is getting involved in irresponsible driving bad news
for your insurance rates but car accidents can be deadly for yourself
and everyone around you, which is why it is imperative that you drive
defensively and fully aware.


One
of the primary ways to ensure that drivers know how to safely
navigate the road is through drivers ed. Also known as
Drivers Ed, this program provides teenagers with introductory
skills that aid in vehicle control and safely maneuvering in traffic.
Not only does drivers ed prepare you with knowledge on
rules of the road but it gives you advice on your attitude as a
driver and other skills as a safe driver. A recent study done by
researchers at the Nebraska Prevention Center for Alcohol and Drug
Abuse at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that, “...more
than 150,000 teen drivers over eight years has found that driver's
education significantly reduces crashes and traffic violations among
new drivers...Young drivers who have not completed drivers education
are 24 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury
accident.” Although you may think that taking a course in Driver’s
ed isn’t necessary for you, you never know if what you learn could
one day save a life, if not your own.


In
additional to taking a course in Drivers ed there are some
simple steps you can take as a driver to prevent potential accidents.
One of the most obvious being to obey traffic laws. Using turn
signals, complete stops, going the speed limit, among many other
traffic laws can be what makes or breaks if you are a responsible
driver. Another piece of advice for drivers new or old would be to be
predictable on the road. Don’t make sudden lane changes or brakes
in traffic that could catch other drivers off guard. Additionally
it is principal that when driving, you should avoid
distractions at all costs. One common distraction that new drivers
have are cell phones. The National Safety Council reports that, “cell
phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year.”
Lastly, one of the most dangerous circumstances to avoid on the road
would be avoiding alcohol and drugs. Throughout your life you may be
tested in this department but if ever in doubt that you or someone
else should not be driving due to drugs or alcohol always find an
alternative ride. By following these steps you can help contribute to
making the roads a safer place.