The Unknown Truth

There are many distinct reasons why Drivers Education reduces the number of deaths while driving. Students who participate in Drivers Ed are taught multiple ways to stay safe and keep others safe. Through the course, students are provided with the information they need to develop safe and efficient use of vehicles. A study has shown that young drivers who haven’t gone through Drivers Ed are 24% more likely to be involved in an accident. This study of 150,000 teens alone indicates that just by taking this course, you reduce your chances of being in a car crash in your first two years of driving, which is saying a lot because the highest crash rates are for drivers between 16-18.

The steps to reduce car crashes are plainly obvious but sometimes overlooked. Simple ones are avoiding the fast lane, always scanning the road in front of you, looking at your blind spots. Some other ones include driving with ease and not being rigid. As soon as you become scared of the road, bad things happen, so always remain calm and always be alert for reckless drivers around you. Another few are never text and drive, you may think that you are unique, but no one can multitask on that level. Never drink alcohol or take drugs, and if you do, please make the responsible decision and call a friend or uber.

I’ve never personally been in a car accident, but I’ve watched one unfold right before my eyes, and it all happens in a second. I was at a red light, and the arrow turned green for the cars in the left lanes. They proceeded to enter the intersection, and someone texting and driving went straight through the red. Luckily it was in a 25 mph zone, so no one died, but it was the scariest moment of my life. And to this day, it is why I stay aware on the roads and never enter an intersection without checking left and right first.

A step that everyone can take is to prevent as many distractions as you can. Try to avoid excessively loud music and yelling in the car. I try to steer clear of having emotional conversations with someone as it can lead to your mind not focused on the task of driving. Having your windows down at faster speeds can also distract you because you can’t hear as well. Wearing sunglasses or a hat can prevent the sunlight from impairing your vision. Don’t drive in extreme weather such as rain or snowstorms, just stay where you are until it has passed. Driving slower than the posted speed through neighborhoods and parking lots. Do not drive when under distress, as in crying or angry; it only leads to bad things. Overall to stay safe on the road, use the 80% rule; if I do this on the road, will I have an 80% chance of making it home safely?