Certified Drivers, Safer Roads: The Case for Mandatory Driver Education

As I think about my experience of getting my driver’s license, I am reminded of the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths resulting from driving. I believe that everyone, regardless of age, should go through a driver’s education course before obtaining a driver’s license. This is not only beneficial for new drivers but also for those who may be obtaining their license later in life.

I vividly remember receiving my learner’s permit on my 15th birthday and then my driver’s license on my 16th birthday. The driver’s education course taught me so many things that I didn’t know before. Like not blocking an exit from a facility while at a stop light. We are supposed to leave room for others to get out of places like Walmart. It was a valuable experience that I am grateful for, even though taking the class was not something I looked forward to. The online course I took, went over the rules of the road, explained complex traffic laws, and taught me how to handle different driving scenarios.

Having a certified teacher in the classroom is a given. We don’t want uncertified teachers, do we? If a teacher is not certified, they have not been trained on ways to teach. I believe it’s equally important to have experienced drivers educating new drivers. Everyone should be trained on the ways to drive. Driver education courses cover essential topics such as traffic laws, road signs, and defensive driving techniques. Without this knowledge, new drivers may not know how to react in different situations, which can lead to accidents.

The state of Texas was just hit by Hurricane Beryl. My family went five days without power. Our city experienced the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which left many trees blocking streets drivers had to turn around in unsafe situations. Hurricane Beryl also left many streetlights out and caused numerous accidents. Many people were unaware of how to handle blinking lights, leading to a significant increase in accidents. In one instance, my grandma witnessed multiple accidents on her way from her home to ours, all due to people not knowing the rules about blinking lights. Everyone did not know how to treat a four way stop. It’s supposed to be either a “first come, first serve” situation, or if people arrive at the same time, it’s the person on your right who is supposed to have the right of way. Also, with some of the lights blinking and others not, drivers just weren’t paying attention.

If everyone went through a driver’s education course, they would be better equipped to handle situations like this. The course would teach them how to navigate through intersections with malfunctioning lights and what to do if they arrive at an intersection at the same time as another driver. This knowledge would reduce the risk of accidents and save lives.

Also, having a competent driver educating new drivers would also emphasize the importance of defensive driving techniques. With the recent power outages caused by Hurricane Beryl, many people were distracted by their electronic devices while driving, making the roads even more hazardous. An experienced driver would teach new drivers how to stay focused on the road and avoid distractions.

Defensive driving techniques are crucial in today’s world where distractions are everywhere. A certified driver would teach new drivers how to anticipate and react to unexpected situations, such as pedestrians stepping into the road or cars cutting off another vehicle. They would also teach them how to stay calm and patient in heavy traffic or construction zones.

In addition to reducing accidents and saving lives, driver education also helps to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. By teaching new drivers how to drive defensively and courteously, we can reduce aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, and speeding. This would lead to a smoother flow of traffic and a reduction in air pollution caused by idling vehicles.

On top of that, having a driving instructor educating new drivers would also promote better communication on the road. An instructor would teach new drivers how to communicate effectively with other drivers through hand signals and verbal cues. This would reduce misunderstandings and conflicts between drivers.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that driver education is crucial in reducing the number of deaths resulting from driving. It is essential that everyone, regardless of age, goes through a driver’s education course before obtaining a driver’s license. This course would provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate various driving situations safely and responsibly.