Many young people might see Driver’s Education as time consuming or pointless not knowing that this process saves billions of lives every year. Driver’s Education teaches both teenagers and adult drivers the dangers of driving and how to prevent accidents from occurring. To do this, it has been enforced that if you are under the age of 18 you are required to do Joshua’s Law, Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP), and have at least 40 hours of driving experience, six of the hours being at night. Researchers have stated that teenager driver fatalities decreased by 60% since these requirements for Joshua’s Law were mandated. Though Joshua’s Law goes in depth about the rules of the road, participating in the ADAP has also helped to clarify how much more dangerous driving under the influence truly is. Studies say, about everyday 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving car crashes. The ADAP assists in thoroughly explaining the consequences of driving under the influence and how it can affect your well-being as well as others on the road. For example, many times after a vehicle crash, not only are passengers severely injured, but they also suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of PTSD cause victims to avoid motor vehicles all together and some never drive again. Having been involved in something like this can result in paralysis, brain damage, comas, and even death. Experiences like car crashes may be very brief to some and drastic to others; these situations should not be taken lightly.
Risks associated with driving could be reduced. Instead of the state requiring 40 hours of driving with a parent, teenagers under the age of 18 should be required to participate in DUI Driver’s Education Class. This way teenagers would be getting one-on-one learning with professional drivers. Only 11% of teenage drivers who participate in Driver’s Education have been involved in a fatal car crash. Teenagers should also participate in the digital driving test before taking the actual test to prevent mistakes and ensure they are prepared. Another way to reduce car crashes is to teach road courtesy in tricky situations. For example, arriving at a four way stop at the same time as another vehicle. Situations like this should be discussed and taught how to handle. Confusing instances like this contribute to the reason driving education is so imperative to both new and old drivers.
Additionally, putting more emphasis on the hand free law would help to avoid distracted driving. Lots of drivers are occupied with other things while trying to drive which results in fatal car crashes. Enforcing this law more would help drivers with staying focused on the road versus what is going on in the car as well as on their cellular devices. Reckless driving is another big contribution to injuries and crashes. Putting more law enforcement on streets and highways might decrease the number of reckless drivers we have behind the wheel; therefore, causing the roads to be much safer for other drivers. As a passenger, there have been many times that I have witnessed family members or even friends drive while on their cellular devices or turned around in the backseat of the vehicle. As a passenger, this can be very concerning. However, there are innovative ways to take care of these problems such as phone holders, Siri or voice activated text messages, call buttons located on the steering wheel, Bluetooth, and mid seat bag holders; preventing most things that drivers get distracted by. Lastly, not driving during adverse weather conditions would help tremendously with car crashes especially when it is narrowed down to reckless drivers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, “more than 5.8 million vehicle crashes occur each year, about 1.2 million of those are caused by hazardous weather.” This statement indicates that drivers should refrain as much as possible from driving in inclement weather.
As a fellow driver, I am committed to following these steps to prevent harmful things from occurring on the road. I will make it my duty to watch my surroundings carefully to ensure the safety of all the people on the road with me. It is imperative to follow all rules of the road as well as encourage others to do so
when I am not the designated driver. I will push to motivate others to invest in safe ways to be on their cellular device while still being hands free. In sum, this thoroughly explains why Driver’s Education is important and why all drivers should study and master how to operate on the road before attempting to control a vehicle.