Drivers ed Needs to be Taught

Drivers ed Needs to be Taught

Yulong Chen

Campbellsville University

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Drivers ed Needs to be Taught

In the United States, approximately 17,000 people have lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents on the road. One of those individuals was my best friend, Bailey Smith, who sadly passed away on October 19, 2018. However, his life was lost due to a tragic car accident. Through his death and misfortune, it has taught awareness to teenagers about the importance of driving on the road. Was he driving recklessly? Was he a distracted driver?

When enrolling to obtain a permit in Kentucky, the requirements are unnecessary and straightforward for anyone to accomplish. What was required? A test. Drivers ed is critical while attaining a license and participating in driving on roads. Yes, it is a driver’s obligation to fully educate himself and abide by the road rules by heart. Still, it is also the participation of the driver’s state to be adequately trained on the rights and wrongs on the road. Kentucky, for instance, has witnessed 600 deaths due to car accidents in a day; it is insane but in authorize high authorities to push for mandatory actions to be in place for all drivers. There should be proper education and requirements for new beginners as well as other individuals of different ages. There should be strict testing for drivers with other vehicles on the road, enabling apps to prevent distracted drivers, and participating in a no alcohol driving zone which can allow bars to prevent intoxicated customers from drivers.

Through the tragic accident of my dear friend, Bailey, I have also become aware of many mistakes that I participated in while driving and being a distracted driver. At times, when I was behind the wheel, I would casually send many messages to my friends, I would take pictures of the sunsets or what I would listen on the radio. This mistake and ignorance could have cost the life of a person and mine. I have created a few steps to prevent my ignorance and mistakes from repeating itself. The first step, “put the phone on do not disturb and on silent when driving a vehicle.” This step allows me to concentrate on the road only and enable the driver to not pick the phone up and to either calling or texting friends or family members. The second step, “download an app that disallows texting while the car is in motion. In which allows drivers to download an app which prevents them from using their phone while driving. The last step, “Pull over and stop if it is important.” If it is an urgent message or a phone call, I can take a few minutes to pull safely off the road and then text or answer the phone if it is an emergency; this allows me not to divert my attention from the path. Drivers ed is essential and can help prevent any future deaths on the roads, including yours and mine. Use your voice to help prevent the ignorance of ways and teach the importance of driving safety.