The Importance of Driver Education and Safe Driving Practices

ELIZA LUCAS

The Importance of Driver Education and Safe Driving Practices

Submitted: November 2020

Drivers who have not completed driver education are undoubtedly more likely to be involved in an automobile accident that may even result in death. This is especially true for young drivers like me. I am proud to say that I completed driver education before getting my drivers license.

I remember learning defensive driving techniques, practicing difficult turns/moves and also practicing on the highway and in busy intersections. I dd all of this in a safe environment with an experienced instructor. This practice gave me both the confidence and the skills needed to be a good driver. The confidence, skill building and practice gained in driver education is an important step to limit the number of deaths in automobile accidents. Those that complete driver education will have prior experience and practice in complicated situations and will know how to better handle them when they are alone driving. Being able to manage a tough situation while driving can avoid automobile accidents and death that can also be associated with them.

As for steps to take to reduce the number of deaths related to driving, in addition to driver education, some key steps are to ensure that everyone in the car wears a seat belt (no matter how “quick” the trip) and never getting into a car when someone behind the wheel is impaired by drugs or alcohol. Although these may seem straightforward, I have seen first-hand friends hop in my car without a seatbelt on. If all drivers, new and experienced, followed these guidelines, the number of deaths related to driving would absolutely be reduced.

The importance of seat belts is always top of mind for me as I was recently in a minor accident where the other driver was not wearing a seat belt and I saw just how dangerous that can be. A motorcyclist actually rear ended me at a stop sign earlier this year. Luckily the accident was minor but it startled and scared me quite a bit. The cyclist was actually thrown from his bike and although injuries were minor (luckily) it reminded me of just how important seat belts are. I cannot imagine what the situation would have been if we were at faster speeds- having been a part of this situation, always reminds me to buckle up. Wearing a seat belt is easy and that combined with always making sure you and others are not impaired while driving can save lives.

To be a better and safer driver, I am never shy about insisting me and my passengers wear a seat belt and I also talk about my experience with the motorcycle accident to remind my friends and others just how dangerous driving can be. I work to be a responsible driver by limiting distractions of cell phones and loud music and I encourage the same in others/my friends.