Name: Alexandria Porter
From: Glenwood, Illinois
Votes: 0
The Importance of Drivers ed
Driving is a privilege that comes with great responsibility. Cars are sophisticated, and drivers must know how to fully use them. This reality makes drivers ed critical to everyone on the road.
Drivers ed is important because drivers must know how to safely operate the car and all its parts. They must also know the rules of the road, such as stop sign etiquette, and also driving laws, like adhering to speed limits. This is key to reducing driving-related deaths. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2018) states “94 percent of serious crashes are due to dangerous choices or human errors people make behind the wheel” (Ayers, Whitlow, & Dressler, 2018). Many of these accidents occur because of distractions or foolish decisions that drivers make. By reinforcing education, drivers become more equipped with knowledge, helping to decrease instances of poor decision-making.
There are steps society can take to reduce the number of deaths on the road. First, we can become aware of our own actions. If we become more aware of our own risky actions behind the wheel, we can work to curb those bad habits. People must acknowledge the effects of their actions both on themselves and others. Second, more legislation could be passed or be better enforced. Wearing seatbelts has, for the most part, become a standardized law across the country, and driving while intoxicated is universally illegal. While these laws are beneficial, more can be done. The Governors Highway Association states that “ twenty two states prohibit handheld cellphones” and “forty eight states ban text-messaging for all drivers” (GHSA, 2020). Because of the threat imposed by phones while driving, the government should push this law in all fifty states and better enforce it.
I have never been in an accident, but I know family and friends who have been greatly impacted physically and financially by them. Seeing my family and friends driving irresponsibly, whether that be texting or being distracted, brings the reality of accidents more into focus. We must remember that accidents are unpredictable, and no one is permanently exempt from them. To become a safer driver, I can work on improving my focus. I must maintain focus and stop my mind from wandering while I am driving. I pledge to improve on this flaw because focus is an essential driving skill.
