In the Driver’s Seat

In the Driver’s Seat

By: Alicia Rodriguez

Driving is a privilege that many take for granted, possibly leading to carelessness and severe consequences. How can one avoid careless and costly mistakes while being behind the wheel? Drivers ed can be a valuable tool in preventing accidents and injuries or even death. The number of deaths in car accidents has been astoundingly high. This tragedy must be and can be stopped with drivers ed.

Many steps should be taken to prepare drivers for the great responsibility they take behind the wheel of a vehicle. First, many states require a written test for new drivers while o others require an actual drivers ed course. Still, a few states do not have any requirements. However, I believe many young drivers simply memorize information in order to pass test and get behind the wheel instead of truly digesting the facts to make them the best possible driver. I think a live presentation or course could be more effective than a video or online class. Young people will respect the laws and understand the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they see the sad results of this behavior “in person” rather than online.

As far as family and friends having bad experiences driving, my grandmother is an example of improper driving training. She learned to drive when she was in her fifties, and she doesn’t seem to be fully alert or yield to other drivers when she should. This has caused several accidents, though minor ones. Also, my older brother has been involved in several minor accidents. On more than one occasion, his vehicle was stopped at a traffic light or stop sign and struck from behind by a driver who was not paying attention or going too fast. Also, I was attending a school where we had an accident happen right outside that resulted in a young man’s death. Even though I did not personally know the man who was killed, the effect of hearing this news and seeing the damage of the accident was difficult to process. That man’s vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, and he was killed when a dump truck rammed into the back of his vehicle almost at full speed on the highway without using the brakes. There is no reason that accident should have occurred other than carelessness on the part of the truck driver.

Driving responsibly is important for everyone’s safety on the roads. Education can help drivers to understand how to watch their speed, use proper stopping distances, and follow the rules of the road. This along with drivers not being distracted by their phones or other media can make safer drivers and prevent traffic deaths everywhere. I think also requiring an on-road course with a live trainer would prevent traffic deaths. I am thankful for my parents who patiently taught me about safe driving.