Drivers Ed: A Survival Guide

Jerald Butler

5/5/2020

DmvEdu Essay

Driver’s
Ed: A Survival Guide

“What
is the importance of drivers ed in reducing the number of
deaths as a result of driving?” The answers to that question are
innumerable. But, there are many benefits to drivers ed.
Number one is confidence in your own ability to drive, as well as
have a clear understanding of the rules and regulations of the road.
Number two, the knowledge initiates responsibility, keeping you alert
and aware of everything around you. Number three, you are not only
looking out for your own life, but other people’s as well. These
are only three of the various reasons for drivers ed. In addition,
the necessary steps that can be followed is planning your route ahead
of time, maintaining your vehicle, focusing your attention on the
road and being aware of other drivers, keeping distance, minimizing
speed, signaling your intentions, and ALWAYS wearing a seatbelt. With
these rules engraved in a driver’s brain, everyone is safe and
knows better to do better. I’ve experienced being in and seeing a
car accident. While I was returning home from church, I was coming up
the hill with a two-way stop for the cars to my left and right,
giving me the right of way. Unfortunately, the driver to my left
wasn’t paying attention and continued driving until he slammed into
me. He had run a stop sign and ended up wrecking his car in the
process. To my surprise, his father had passed out in the car into
his lap, causing him to lose focus and focus his attention elsewhere.
Furthermore, he was from out of town and hadn’t been familiar with
the routes. No other cars stopped to see if we were okay, or if we
needed to have an ambulance called. My experience seeing an accident
was similar to my experience. One car wasn’t paying attention to
the other car that had the right of way, and ended up crashing into
the next one. Both situations forced me to think of better ways I can
be a better driver. Me being in my accident made me realize that I
have to drive for other people. Meaning I have to be extra aware and
save them from themselves. For example, if someone switches lanes
without signaling, I could slow down and allow them to pass.
Paradoxically, killing two birds with one stone. Another example is
being more patient with other drivers. Oftentimes, people are in a
rush to get to where they’re going, and they’ll put themselves in
a situation that was avoidable in the first place. They’ll honk,
scream, and cuss their way in front of, or in, someone else. This
causes not only a potential collision, but it makes it unsafe for the
other drivers around them. With practical drivers ed,
patience, and accountability, everyone can become a better and safer
driver. Because when you know better, you can go better. Little
changes can make a huge impact. One driver at a time.