Decreasing Deaths by Driver’s Educations

Decreasing Deaths by Driver Education

Imagine if someone interested in becoming a surgeon picked up a knife, went to a hospital, and started operating on people. Sounds ridiculous, right? Imagine how many would die due to that person’s lack of education. While this hypothetical situation seems insane, it is not far off from individuals driving without taking driver education. Many teens assume that, because they see people drive all the time and may have even done so themselves once, that driver’s education isn’t important. However, education is always vital when lives are at stake.

Contrary to common belief, driver education does not only teach students where the accelerator is or how to use a blinker. Driver education builds drivers’ confidence while instilling the importance of driving responsibly. When I first started driving, I was scared to go over twenty-five miles per hour. However, my driving instructor encouraged me, gave me tips, and with some practice, I became a very confident driver. When people are nervous or scared, they tend to make mistakes, so by building drivers’ confidence, driver education helps reduce the number of car accidents. Perhaps the most important lesson taught by driver education is responsibility. Driving is a privilege and not one to be taken lightly, and driving instructors make it their mission to teach students this. By knowing how much of a responsibility driving is, student drivers are more likely to practice responsible driving habits. By teaching students not only how to drive, but how to do so responsibly with confidence, driver education helps reduce the number of driving-related deaths.

Unfortunately, after students get their license, they tend to relax on safe driving practices. Time and time again, I have watched as friends, family, and peers develop dangerous driving practices within a year of having a license. The most common irresponsible driving practice I’ve seen amongst my friends/family is texting and aggressive driving. As one would expect, habits like these almost always end with someone getting hurt or getting a ticket. However, it doesn’t have to be this way.

To prevent fatal car accidents, put it upon yourself to learn or review safe driving practices. Remember, lives are at stake every time you drive, so there is no excuse for reckless driving. If you know you easily get distracted, put your cell phone on silent, and don’t turn on the radio. The road deserves your full attention, everything else can wait. Be sure to review your state’s driving handbook/manual. There are many laws to the road that get forgotten or vary between states. Laws are there for a reason, and by reviewing the driver’s handbook/manual for the state you will be driving in, you can avoid tickets and accidents. 

Perhaps the most important way to avoid fatal car accidents is to know your personal limitations. As a newer driver myself, I know that my lack of experience makes me more of a liability than those who have years of driving experience. For this reason, I avoid driving with friends, because they can be distracting. Also, I make sure that I keep other distractions, like my phone, out of sight while driving. Since I started driving, I have made the extra effort to be a more helpful passenger as well. Rather than talk the driver’s ear off, I can help the driver navigate and keep a lookout for unforeseen obstacles. Additionally, to help others be safer on the road, I no longer look the other way when I see my friends or family driving irresponsibly. Their life is too important to let them drive dangerously. I now let them know they are driving recklessly and remind them of the law.