Driver Safety

Drivers ed Initiative Award: In the Driver’s Seat

What is the importance of drivers ed in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving? What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving? Drivers ed is very important no matter the age of driver or the amount of years you have been driving. Safety for all drivers, passengers and possible pedestrians depends on the education a driver receives.

Most new drivers have to drive for so many hours with a guardian or instructor but when the atmosphere changes, so do the skills learned. People become complacent and may not take the actual extra seconds it takes to make complete stops, put on seat belts or to even look both ways. Frequent refreshers for drivers ed should be required for all drivers. All vehicles, old and new, should be required to have technology that puts cell phones in car mode for no texting or online searching.

Being the injured person in an accident is not pleasant and a lot of people don’t understand the lasting effect of an accident, no matter how minor. I was in an accident before and I must admit it was scary. My mom and I were traveling to my doctor’s appointment on a sunny afternoon when we were struck by a truck trying to make the same exit we were making. The truck came from the far left lane on a 5 lane merging intersection to make the exit. While it would have been wise to have taken the next exit, he chose to try and fit in this one. He would have had to make a couple extra turns but it would have saved us from this traumatic experience. While being in a rush, he caused a change in our daily lives forever.

As a new driver being safe on the road is very important and because of my past experiences, I am more aware. Obeying speed limits, staying a safe distance from other vehicles, ensuring all riders wear seatbelts, leaving in a timely manner and not using electronic devices while driving will be ways I can help stay safe while driving. Being a constant nag in my friend’s and family’s ears about not being on their phones, wearing their seatbelts and not speeding will help keep others safe. Being safe on the roads as a driver is also just being aware of every other driver. My mom always told me to “drive for myself and everyone else.” She means to pay attention to other drivers so that I can maneuver my vehicle safely if I have to.

There are so many ways drivers ed can reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving. Most of the time, drivers have the education, it’s those moments when they are complacent and choose not to be safe drivers. We all have a choice, make the right ones behind the wheel of a vehicle.