Behind the Wheel

Driver education plays a crucial role in informing new drivers of the rules of the road. Without this relay of information, careless driving wouldn’t be caused by the lack of care but instead by the lack of knowledge. Amature drivers with thoughrout knowledge of not only the law itself but also the consequences of breaking those laws, are able to make better conscious decisions when on the road. The more informed an individual is, the more though is put into the decisions they make about that subject.

Drivers Education is successful in providing a well rounded plethora of resources, guidance, and direction (pun intended). The key to shaping safe drivers is presenting real-life scenarios before the teens are on the road alone. In the classroom, basic rules of the road are introduced and reviewed until students are able to pass both their written test in class and the Drivers Permit Exam at the DMV. Before the student even touches the wheel, they already have been made aware of how to handle not only everyday driving scenarios but also scenarios that would only take place in extreme circumstances. Changing lanes safely, adjusting mirrors, and parking must all be mastered to drive safely day-to-day. Skills like these are explained in-depth in the classroom setting and demonstrated on screen with simulations and videos. Albeit impactful, knowledge alone cannot develop a successful driver; practice behind the wheel is crucial.

The BTW, “Behind The Wheel” aspect of Driver Education is pivotal in letting beginner drivers gain experience behind the wheel. The key is that they are able to learn with the safety net of having an instructor by their side. I found this aspect of Driver Education especially informative as when different situations arose I could ask questions that I had not thought of in the classroom setting. Another key to the armature drivers succeed is getting their parts involved. The only true way to better driving skills is through practice and what better way than under the supervision of someone who already has had their license for a long period of time: a parent. Through practice, behind the wheel behaviors start to become second nature to the young driver. 

Texting and driving has stayed too relevant within the environment of today’s teens. This is an issue of over confidence in their ability to drive. One to even three years of driving experience is relatively few. It has been scientifically proven that the human brain is not able to successfully engage in two tasks at once; this is known as multitasking. When texting, drivers aren’t able to wholly focus on the road. I have made it a promise to myself that I will not pick up my phone while on the road. Changing the music is definitely a reason teens choose to pick up their phone. I avoid this by queuing my music on the Spotify app even before I leave the drive away so that I will never be tempted to look for a song while driving. 

I have not been in a serious accident but many of my friends have. One of my friends had collided with another car because she had not wiped the snow off her side windows. The key to promoting safer driving within peers is being non-tolerant to reckless behavior. If I see my friend pick up their phone while I am their passenger I will call them out and offer to text whoever they are texting back for them. Knowledge and education in itself is important but the key is to teach teens to keep each other and themselves accountable.