Driver’s education is an important tool for both informing prospective drivers on how to operate an automobile and preparing them for the situations they will face on the road. New and future drivers can benefit from the driver’s education course as it covers life-saving topics, such as how to effectively recover from skids, how to remain safe while on the freeway, and what to do in case of an accident. It also promotes defensive driving, awareness of surroundings, and supplies real-life statistics to back up the lessons. Taking the course provides drivers with practical tools to keep themselves and others safe and reduce the risk of accidents.
In order to promote safe driving and help prevent accidents in the future, I believe two things are necessary: (1) New and young drivers need to be informed of the seriousness of driving an automobile and the consequences of irresponsible actions while driving on the road. Unfortunately, those behind the wheel can often underestimate the impact that poor driving can have on those around them. This is especially true in young drivers. Younger individuals tend to be more reckless, and they can also be susceptible to peer pressure and mimicking what they see portrayed as “cool.” In a society where young men and women have grown up watching car chases and reckless driving both in real life and on TV, they may be tempted to see if they can do it too -either on their own accord or after being pressured by friends. Racing, cutting off other cars, and merging without signals are all examples of irresponsible driving. These actions can lead to disastrous and sometimes fatal car accidents. Keeping young and new drivers informed as to the real dangers of the road and the consequences of their personal actions could help reduce the risk of car accidents in the future.
(2) Increased surveillance and discipline on behalf of the police. Breakage of common street laws and regulations has become a normal occurrence in our society. It is not strange to see multiple people break these laws daily. Whether it’s ignoring the speed limit or not signaling before a turn, it's almost guaranteed that you will spot several violations of the law on a regular basis. One reason for this could be a lack of consequences. People have gotten used to getting away with breaking the law. If there was an increased amount of patrol officers on the streets and freeways who enforced these laws, it is likely that the number of accidents caused by reckless driving would decrease.
I have been blessed to have never personally been in a car accident. My friends and family are also responsible drivers for the most part. However, there was one time when I experienced irresponsible driving firsthand. I was in the car with my sister, who was driving at the time, and she decided to try and startle me by swerving the car from side to side. We were on a residential street near home, and rather than staying on her side of the road, she veered back and forth from the middle of the street. Thankfully, nothing went wrong. This, however, does not excuse the behavior. Seeing as how it was a residential road, this was a dangerous maneuver for a few reasons. At any moment, a child could have run into the road while she was not looking, and she might not had time to get control of the car. Additionally, a car could have pulled out of a driveway at any moment. Not expecting my sister to drive recklessly, the car could’ve continued to back out, and a collision would have taken place.
There are several steps that can be taken to increase your personal safety on the road, as well as the safety of those around you. One of these is the constant scanning of your environment. Awareness of one’s surroundings is a crucial factor in avoiding future accidents. This means not only keeping track of your immediate surroundings but also predicting the potential actions of cars around you. Analyzing the next moves and motivations of those controlling the automobiles will help you plan the appropriate response. An example of this is giving plenty of road space to an automobile that is being driven erratically or whose driver seems distracted. That way, if the car veers into your lane or stops suddenly, you have enough room to avoid a collision.
Another step to promote safety on the road is to follow personal safety regulations and keep your car in good working condition. Having your seatbelt on and your airbags active can save your life. Making sure that you and all your passengers are properly wearing seatbelts is a step you can take to further your and your friends/family’s safety. Additionally, a car that is kept up to date on repairs is less likely to suddenly break down, an emergency which could endanger yourself and others.
Being in control of an automobile is a privilege and should be taken seriously. People wishing to drive an automobile should take it upon themselves to complete a driver's education course before attempting to operate a vehicle. Even after completing such a course, it’s important to be cautious and responsible while driving. Taking unnecessary risks is a recipe for disaster. Obeying the law, even in situations where you are being pressured by others, is an important step in becoming a responsible driver. By staying alert and always driving defensively, you can decrease your and others' risk of getting in an accident. It’s up to you to take that step. The wheel is in your hands.