The Importance of Learning Safe Driving

Driver’s education is an important part of a young driver’s experience in order to learn basic driving skills, defensive driving, and safe motor vehicle use. It also gives young drivers a chance to practice in a safe environment. All new drivers should have the opportunity to attend driver’s education. In my driver’s education class, I learned the importance of not using my phone while driving, because any little distraction can cause deadly accidents. I also learned the importance of defensive driving. I learned that safe drivers do not just know how not to hit something, they know how to prevent something from hitting them. Another important lesson in driver’s education was being cautious at railroad crossings because trains can be very deadly, and many people are more reckless at railroad crossings than they should be. I also learned a lot about the different kinds of road signs and about how important it is to always follow them. I also learned how important it is to maintain a consistent speed so that other drivers do not hit you or get annoyed. I also learned how to safely drive on the highway. I learned how to get up to speed, merge, and exit, among other skills.

Following all traffic laws will reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Some of the most common distractions that can cause serious accidents are related to speeding, cell phone usage, reckless driving, road rage and the like. Continued education on the importance of safe, non-distracted driving will reduce the number of driving related deaths. Also, teaching students, while they are learning everything else about driving about the importance of avoiding overconfidence while driving, will reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Reminding new drivers and experienced drivers of the fact that no matter how much experience you have, you can still make mistakes and cause accidents, will help everyone be more aware while driving and make less dangerous driving decisions.

I have never had the experience of being in a car accident, but I have seen many irresponsible and distracted drivers. I would intentionally leave school 15 or so minutes later than everyone else so that I could avoid all of the impatient, overconfident, distracted, and irresponsible teenage drivers. Also, one time in the busy morning traffic around the school, a truck that was pulling out of a parking lot almost rammed the middle of my car. They were likely in a hurry and not paying close enough attention to ongoing traffic. It was only due to my pulling into the left turning lane and them slamming the brakes that we narrowly avoided a collision. The mere inches between our cars unsettled me, and I have been more vigilant during busy traffic since, and have always tried my best to keep my distance from irresponsible drivers. I have also found that annoyed or angry drivers tend to be more reckless. Sometimes other drivers get mad at me for going too slow, because they want to go way above the speed limit, and I have to find a balance between following the laws, and avoiding angry, dangerous drivers.

One of the biggest steps that I feel will help me be a better and safer driver is reminding myself that accidents can happen to anyone and that everyone makes mistakes. Even as my driving skills improve, I still need to be cautious and aware because it is when I am self-assured and distracted, that my driving can become more dangerous. For me, another important step to becoming a safer driver is always practicing and improving my defensive driving. Becoming better at recognizing reckless, angry, distracted, and other dangerous drivers and taking action to protect myself will be an integral part of remaining a safe driver. Another step is continuing to practice safe driving in all circumstances. I don’t eat while driving, listen to loud music, or use my cell phone so that I can be fully aware of my surroundings to better protect myself and others around me. It is also important to continue to be very familiar with knowing how to use the features of any car I drive in various situations, such as in the rain or freezing temperatures. It is similarly important to continue to be able to use driving tools, such as adjusting the temperature or using cruise control, without having to look down for very long. This will help reduce distraction while driving, and thus help me be a safer driver.