The Importance of Driver Education

The Importance of Driver Education

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. People young and old fall victim to these awful accidents, and they can be fatal. We as a country need to get better at teaching driver safety, because it might just save lives. There are many steps we can take to ensure safety on the roads, but it starts within yourself.

Driver Education is so important, now more than ever. While cars are a lot safer today, they are getting faster, smaller, and more distracting. Being involved in a car accident is one of the most traumatizing experiences you can have. Millions of families a year get calls they never want to get. State Patrolmen have to make many house visits that they do not want to make, and have trouble making. The driver at fault in an accident regrets his decisions and faces jail time. The victim might lose their life, a mother might lose a son, a daughter may lose her father. Although we cannot control all aspects of what could happen, we can make sure numbers dwindle.

One of the many steps that can be taken is to require driver tests every 2-4 years. In the state of Iowa, where I live, the state requires Drivers Ed to be eligible for a permit at fourteen years old. When you turn 16, they give you your license without any testing done. I think states should have the same requirements to earn your license and to keep it. As drivers gain experience on the road they tend to get lazy also, which can cause more accidents. Carelessness is taking lives every day. That is only one-step the government can intervene in though. The rest is up to us. Refuse alcohol and drugs if you are about to drive, or if you are intoxicated, let someone else drive. Have a designated driver when you go out. Reduce the number of people in your car while you drive. Turn down the music and focus on road signs, and warnings. Pay attention to speed limits more, predict outcomes before they happen. These are all examples of what we as a society can do to ensure people are safer on the road.

I have never been in a car accident myself, but my dad was. In 2003, my dad was driving to work early in the morning, when he was hit on the interstate. A utility truck ad hit a deer, swerved, and crossed the median strip. His car drove right over the top of my dad’s, crushing the roof down on top of him and breaking his neck. He should have died, but we believe God was with him.

I have definitely seen my family and friends drive irresponsible. Weather that is they being on their phone, speeding, or just plain messing around. While I try to do my best letting them know they need to pay attention, I also need to become a safer driver at times. I get on my phone a lot while driving, maybe my music is to loud, or I go over the speed limit. Steps I can take to be safer on the road as well as my friends is turning my phone completely off until at my destination, staying at the speed limit, wearing my seatbelt more, and coming to complete stops.

Society needs to take more precaution when driving any type of vehicle. Saving lives should be one of the most important things we as a nation should try and accomplish. It all starts with taking the right steps, and being responsible.

Thank you for taking your time to read my essay! Glad I have the chance to earn this award and would love it if I win, thank you!