The Importance of A Drivers Ed

2020 Drivers ed Essay Contest – Ashanti Smith

The Importance of A Drivers ed

Drivers ed is important for many reasons. It teaches drivers about the road, driving laws, signs and signals, car operations, and more. There is certain information about driving that experience cannot teach. Without this knowledge, an increased number of hazards and accidents would occur. Studies have shown that drivers who have not completed a drivers ed course are 75 percent more likely to get a traffic ticket, 24 percent more likely to be involved in an accident that is fatal or cause an injury, and 16 percent more likely to have an accident. Also, young drivers whose driving privileges were based solely on a drivers ed course had significantly fewer accidents and traffic tickets compared to other young drivers whose ability was based only on logged driving hours without formal driving instruction.

There are many achievable steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. First, people can become safer just by obeying traffic laws, like stopping and looking both ways before continuing to drive or not exceeding the speed limit. Next, people need to eliminate distractions; this mainly includes texting while driving. In addition, people need to wear seat belts when they are riding in the car. Moreover, people need to drive when they are rested to prevent drowsy driving; drowsy driving causes 1,500 deaths per year. Lastly, people should not drive under the influence, whether it be alcohol or drugs. 

I am fortunate enough that I have never been in a car accident. However, sometimes I do notice that my family members occasionally text while driving. I can become a better and safer driver by setting the air conditioning or heat controls at a comfortable temperature before I begin driving, so I do not have to fidget with them while operating the vehicle. I can help others be safer by informing them of the dangerous habits and situations that can occur while driving; I can also teach them to practice safe driving. As an example, I can take their phone away while they are driving or send a text on their behalf so they are not tempted while behind the wheel.