The Importance of Drivers ED

It is very important to take drivers education to reduce the number of vehicular deaths. According to a study in 2015 by University of Nebraska–Lincoln UNL, drivers who do not take drivers education are 24% more likely to be involved in fatal or injury accidents, opposed to those who did take drivers education. “Because teen crashes and fatality rates are highest at ages 16-18, these reductions are especially meaningful. Driver education appears to make a difference in teen traffic outcomes at a time when risk is highest.” Teens are at such a high risk during their first few months of driving, taking drivers education can not only educate teens on safe driving, but also give them more confidence behind the wheel. Driver’s educations teaches teens proper driving techniques, how to be alert to their surrounds, traffic laws, and much more. Driver’s education also teaches people how to be defensive drivers, drivers can only control their car, but knowing how to watch for reckless drivers, and drive defensively can save your life. 

To help reduce the number of deaths related to driving, the obvious answer would be to have more teens take drivers education. I think that it would make a huge impact if drivers’ education was mandated in schools again. From my own experience, given the option to not take drivers ed, and just log 50 hours with my parents was my preference, but I had 2 car accidents by the time I was 18. I think that if schools required the driver education to graduate, or at least offer the course. Many teens would be safer drivers.

 One of the most important things that teens can do to reduce vehicular deaths, is wear their seatbelt! According to the CDC “Among teen drivers and passengers 16–19 years of age who died in car crashes in 2019, almost half were unrestrained at the time of the crash (when restraint use was known)”. Teen passengers have a tendency to not wear their seatbelt when they are not driving, teens need to have control of their car before and while driving, to ensure all passenger in the vehicle are wearing their seatbelts. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes for death, not only teens, but everyone needs to put down their phones while behind the wheel. Many insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving, but not everyone is taking advantage of these offers, or simply do not care. I think that there should be more incentive for young driver to want to drive be safe drivers. These incentives could look like rewards programs through the schools, or even cash offers from insurance companies, instead of discounts.

 

Many people use the excuse of navigation or music, as to why they are on their phone while driving. But many newer cars have hands free options and should be utilized every time. Not taking calls or not changing your music while driving this ideal, but at least using the hands-free controls, a driver can keep their eyes on the road the entire time. Lastly, intoxicated driving is a huge cause for vehicle deaths. From my own experiences, I think the only way to get teens and young adults, to understand the importance of driving sober, is to properly educate them, but not with numbers, with real life examples. In my hometown every year around prom a local police department, places a crashed vehicle in their front lawn, to remind young drivers what happened when teenagers drove intoxicated. I think examples like this make a bigger impression on teens than numbers or stories do. 

I have been in 2 car accidents, at 17 and 18 years old. My first car accident was minor, but my second accident totaled my car. My second accident I was at fault, due to me using my phone while driving. I could have avoided physical injury for myself, and a lot of damage to my car and the other vehicle involved. I do think that if I had taken drivers education, I could have avoided both of my accidents. Not only did I get injured in my accident, but I also had a lot of anxiety while driving for the following year. I am only 22 and almost all of my friends have been in car accidents. I personally know two kids, (one who was like family) who died in car an accident, due to them not wearing their seat belts. These are deaths of young souls who could have easily been prevent, by wearing their seat belts. I don’t know if they took driver ed, but I do know if someone had educated them more on the importance of wearing their seatbelts, they would still be alive. 

I take steps every day to be a safer driver, the first thing I do when I get in my vehicle is put my seat belt on, and make sure everyone else in the vehicle also has their seat belt on. I always practice defensive driving, and never use my phone while I am driving. When riding with other people I make sure to never be a distraction to them. I like to use an app to track my driving and look back at my it afterwards to see where I can improve. I think that driving apps are very helpful to improve your driving. To help others be safer drivers I will volunteer to be the DD when going out with friends, and never let a drunk friend drive home. I think it’s important to encourage teens to take driver’s education, so they don’t become a part of the statics.