The Importance of Drivers Ed

Nile
Keiller Class of 2020

The
Importance of Drivers ed

Many
deaths in the United States are caused by people who do not know how
or do not care to responsibly operate motor vehicles. Many accidents
result from DUIs (driving under the influence) or underage drivers
who do not have a legal license. With this growing problem, there are
many ways to help reduce the risk of injury or death because of
irresponsible driving, such as enforcing stricter laws and penalties.
But, the most direct way to solve the problem is through driver
education classes. Initial drivers ed courses are important to
teach new drivers about the rules of the road and how to operate
vehicles safely. It is equally important for drivers to continue to
follow the rules they have learned and keep their driving skills
sharp. There is no reason why drivers should not have to take
continuing education classes just like lawyers and doctors. These
courses would be a mandatory requirement for a river to keep their
license. Additionally, harsher penalties for people convicted of
hurting or killing someone with a motor vehicle can be used to
demonstrate the importance of responsible driving and driver
education courses. I believe that stricter drivers ed courses
are one of the best ways to help reduce the number of driving deaths
and injuries in our country and the world. I also believe that
driver’s license renewals should not be automatic.

In
2019, over 38,500 people died in car crashes and over 4 million
people were injured badly enough to require a trip to the hospital.
Even though these numbers are lower than they were in 2018, these
numbers are still too high, therefore making drivers ed vitally
important and a necessity. I personally attended drivers ed
classes during the summer of 2019 in order to obtain my provisional
driver’s license. Although I had practiced driving many times with
my parents, during these classes I got a better understanding of the
importance of driver safety. During my classes, the instructor
elaborated on the safety of driving and provided the class with many
different scenarios that provided a first-hand look at how many
accidents can be avoided when a driver strictly follows the rules of
the road. It is easy for everyone to become a safe driver if the
rules are followed. The most important takeaway I received from my
drivers ed classes, is practicing proper techniques every time
I am in a vehicle. These techniques will make the roads safer for
other drivers and pedestrians. But it has to happen every single
time. One step I believe should be implemented is to have a physical
renewal of the license. This can range anywhere from driving around a
course that mimics a real highway or neighborhood or it can be an
electronic or paper test to help refresh the memory of the driver to
ensure that they still have the correct mentality to continue
driving. Another way of reducing the number of deaths related to
driving, is to have better technology inside cars and on the road.
With better technology in cars, there can be a better innovation that
helps the driver stop quicker or even see clearer out of the rear and
side mirrors to anticipate any accidents. The technology in cars can
also provide code and commands that can contact any emergency service
in any chance that the driver gets into an accident and are unable to
get to their phone in time. One final step that can be taken, is that
there are more speed cameras and street laps on different areas of
the road where children, disabled citizens, and the elderly have a
high chance of being hit and possibly dying.

I
have experienced several times being in car and saw family members
and friends who practiced unsafe driving practices. I am lucky that
none of those instances ended with us being in a car accident. The
biggest problem I saw was with distracted driving, mainly people
talking on the telephone or sending and looking at text messages. The
advancements in technology with telephones have made the roads very
unsafe. I believe there should be an absolute ban on using telephone
while operating a vehicle including if it is hands free. I have been
in the car where someone was on the phone with a hands free device,
but their reaction to the telephone conversation impacts their
driving. They could be shocked and abruptly hit the breaks or stop
completely in the middle of the road. They could be laughing so hard
that they jerk the car back and forth, or not notice when a car is
approaching quickly next to them or in front of them and almost
swerve into an accident. Witnessing these distractions first hand has
shown me how to drive as safe as possible and avoid using my phone in
any way while I am driving. I learned responsible driving techniques
during the drivers ed classes and have avoided many of the
things that I have personally witnessed.

While
I have only been driving for two years, I have always practiced the
good habits I learned from drivers ed class and have observed
many bad habits from others on the road, including friends and
family. The steps I have taken to be a better and safer driver
includes being calm and patient with other drivers on the road and
who are close to my car. This trait has helped to be more conscious
of my surroundings and to be prepared for the actions of others
drivers that may impact me. It is also a good safety tip that try to
demonstrate for other people. I also have a rule where I do not allow
people to play around on their phone while I am driving. The most
that people can do is play music (which is not that much since I have
a working radio) or to answer and make telephone calls. I do not
allow my passengers to play games, watch videos or get distracted by
social media. Being in my car means that everyone has to pay
attention to the road and our surroundings. It helps to have an extra
pair of eyes watching the road. For me, car safety, is a
responsibility of every person in the car and drivers ed
courses can help keep more people safe.