When I was a sophomore in high school, 2022-2023, I took drivers ed over the course of a week. While in drivers ed I learned that once you turn 18, you can get your license without attending a drivers ed class. I never understood why people would be able to operate a vehicle that has the capability to change someone’s whole life even with the smallest mistake. Drivers ed is extremely important so that you can learn how to operate and maintain a 1,000 lb vehicle moving extremely fast, on any type of road. Drivers ed helps people know the rules of the road, how to react in certain situations, and how to keep yourself, and others safe while you drive in different climates and situations. Drivers ed also helps to mentally prepare students for when they are on the road by showing what could happen if you chose to drive under the influence, or if you chose to drive when you aren’t in the right mental state.
I believe that some steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths while driving is when you’re driving to stay off your phone, and to try to have as few distractions as possible. While people are driving there are going to be other people in the car and there is going to be music playing and people talking, but keeping the music low and having the other people talk at a lower level could help you pay more attention to the roads. It can also help you be more aware of your surroundings and the traffic that is around you, so that you can keep everyone with you and around you safer. I also believe that the DMV that you are getting your driver's license at, should check to make sure that you have completed your 50 hours of driving, to make sure that you have gotten enough experience on the road with a more experienced driver.
I personally have been in a couple accidents with my parents and my friends. The accidents that I have been in have always resulted in someone else being distracted or being on their phone not aware of their surroundings. The accidents that I have been in, nobody has been seriously injured, but it is terrifying to know that one look away from the road can cost someone their life. I think people don’t realize that even looking at your phone for even a second, you don’t realize what could happen with traffic while you look down, the person in front of you could slow down, someone could merge in front of you, or there could be a sharp turn, and if you aren’t looking at the road you don’t have the same reaction time to control your vehicle as you would if you were looking at the road analyzing everything that is happening.
I think that everyone could improve their driving even if they believe they are the best drivers. Personally, some steps I could take to become better at driving for myself is being more aware of the road and those around me. I could also keep more distance between me and the car in front of me so that I have more time to react to whatever the car in front of me is doing, and so that I have time to stop, or slow down, so that I’m not affecting the cars behind me. I also think that having my phone bluetoothed to my car helps a lot so that I can see if someone is calling me or trying to get a hold of me so that I don’t have to look at my phone and I can keep my driving and paying attention to the road my priority.
I also think that having someone else in the car to take control of your phone or directions, or anything you need is helpful so that you can keep your eyes on the road. I also think that following speed limits will help people get into fewer accidents, because speed limits are there to help keep everyone safe, and they’re enforced, because the state knows that driving that speed on a certain road will help you control your vehicle better in case anything were to happen. I also believe that if you aren’t in the right mindset to drive, then have a friend drive or call an uber and you can always pick up your car in the morning. That way you can keep yourself safe along with others on the road.