The Importance of Drivers Ed

You
never expect it to happen to you, and then it does. One second you
are casually driving, and the next your whole life can change. With
today’s increase in driving as a means of travel, it has never been
more important to practice safe driving skills.

I
got my license as soon as I turned 16. As exciting as the experience
was to drive for the first time and learn how to maneuver a car, deep
down I was also really nervous. I’ve been a passenger in a car for
my whole life and I knew the basics of traffic laws, but the
experience is completely different when I am in the driver seat.
Driving requires my full attention. Before I got my license, I
practiced with my driving instructor, and oftentimes, he would shout
at me to brake suddenly, saving us from a fatal mistake, before I
even realized I made a mistake. What scares me the most about driving
is not realizing I am in danger until it is too late. California law
requires minors to have 6 hours of instruction before they are ready
for a test. Just 6 hours. That is less than the length of one average
school day. How am I supposed to suddenly learn all there is to know
about driving in just 6 hours? The driving test itself was also
surprisingly easy. I remember driving around a couple of blocks and
that was the end of it. I passed and suddenly I was legally allowed
to drive basically everywhere.

Having
a driver’s license does not mean one is qualified to drive. As soon
as I got my license, I took a trip to downtown Los Angeles all by
myself. Little did I know, how dangerous and chaotic driving in LA is
like. Many honks and swerves later, I made it back home shockingly
unscathed. Not everyone is this lucky.

Clearly,
drivers ed needs to be reformed. The driving test needs
stricter standards, ensuring that those seeking their driver’s
license are able to safely drive in all different kinds of areas and
situations. By improving the driving test to include all common
driving scenarios, new drivers are better prepared for what to expect
on the road. Though this may make getting a license more difficult,
it is worth the effort if it means fewer car accidents.

Today,
I have had my license for nearly two years now and I do feel more
comfortable driving, but I still need to be as careful as ever,
giving the road my complete attention. Simple habits, like putting my
phone away while driving, to important judgment calls, realizing I am
not in the correct emotional state to drive, are very crucial safe
driving habits. We must all remember to follow these habits on the
road to keep ourselves and the people around us safe.