Road Safety Is Our Responsibility

Driver
Education Initiative Award

Hannah
Barnes

Drivers ed is
essential in teaching individuals how to be responsible and lowering
the number of deaths on the road. When people become informed on
issues or topics, they are better prepared to handle situations
responsibly and make better choices. If people can gain knowledge and
experience about driving before they get their license, they will
better understand the risks of driving and more than likely be
careful drivers. Aside from drivers ed courses, individuals can
be held accountable for their reckless driving to reduce the number
of deaths on the road. For instance, drivers who receive more than a
certain amount of speeding tickets each year can have their license
temporarily suspended. Tests can be given to those who are reported
as being reckless drivers, such as individuals who run red lights,
text and drive or make illegal U-Turns. If drivers are held to a
higher standard on the road, not only will accident rates decrease,
but deaths on the road will as well. I have never been in an auto
accident myself, but my mother has and I know someone who is a very
reckless driver. This reckless driver speeds constantly and has
gotten into an accident because of it. In order for me to avoid their
mistakes, I need to practice safe driving. Which means putting my
phone on silent while driving, having the radio turned down low,
having the volume in the car low as well and following the rules of
the road. To keep others safe as well as myself, I need to focus on
the road and drive safely because someone’s life may depend on it.
I can even help others become safer drivers by reminding them what is
important in life and give them tips on road safety. I can also keep
others safe by asking a driver to slow down if they are going to
fast, ask someone not to drive if I feel they may be intoxicated or
report bad driving behavior. Whether we like it or not, we as drivers
are responsible for the lives of everyone else on the road and
carelessness is what can cost someone their life. Therefore, it is
essential in teaching new drivers the importance of road safety and
following the rules of the road.