Smarter Drivers, Safer Roads

Driver education is typically offered to individuals who are or will shortly turn sixteen years old. It is an exciting experience for naive, soon-to-be drivers. The course educates teenagers about the dangers of driving, as well as the precautions they are expected to take in order to avoid them. Many classes also involve the students logging physical driving hours as well. If an individual passes the course, they are granted permission to own a license. The goal of driver education is to create smarter drivers and safer roads.

There are several steps that should be taken before operating a vehicle. First, the driver should eliminate any and all distractions. These include, but are not limited to, cell phones, snacks, drinks, and excessive music volume. Other occupants may also serve as distractions on the road. It is important for the driver to communicate this with their passengers, politely asking them to refrain from any voluntary disturbances. By removing all distractions, the driver in turn becomes more aware of his or her surroundings. Children crossing the road or an upcoming stop sign become more obvious.

I was 9 years old when my brother and I were run over by a car at a local drive-in movie theater. The second movie had just finished, and the credits were rolling. My brother and I were fast asleep on top of a sleeping bag in front of my parents’ truck. The couple in the car parked next to us was in a hurry to leave. They reversed on top of my brother and I, causing us both to wake up to my mother’s scream. I remember feeling something heavy over me, thinking it was my brother and sister piled on top of me. When they refused to get off however, I knew my assumption was wrong. My stepdad, along with other strangers, helped lift the car off of my brother and me. I was carried to the concession stand with luckily only a bruised and scratched up back. My brother, on the other hand, was airlifted to a hospital to undergo surgery on his broken femur bone. This incident does and will always influence the way that I drive. Not only were my brother and I affected by this, but my family was as well. Much is put on the line when a person chooses to drive irresponsibly.

To be a better driver, I can prioritize mine and my passengers’ safety. Going the speed limit, even when I am in a hurry, could save a life. When I am another driver’s passenger, I can ensure that I exclude any behavior that could distract the driver. If I see that the driver is on his or her phone, I can remind them of the danger of having distractions while operating a vehicle. Equally as important, all passengers in a vehicle should fasten their seatbelts. To be considered a responsible and safe driver, it is necessary to keep in mind the safety of all people, including themself, their passengers, and other drivers on the road.