Keep An Eye Out

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? Have you ever had an experience of being in a car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly? What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?

In society today, people usually don’t care much about drivers ed, and do just well enough in the class at school that they end up passing, and getting their permit to be able to practice driving. While I certainly wasn’t one of those kids, I could empathize with them as the class moved very slowly, the lectures and videos were boring, and (to be honest), it’s not like the subject matter is extremely interesting. Nevertheless, driving education is so important, and it aids students in giving them the foundation they need in order to be successful. In terms of death rates, they are highest among young drivers, which certainly makes most people question the effectiveness of our current driving education system. Some steps in the drivers ed process could be added that might even help avoid some of those driving deaths (especially in young people). These could be things like adding vital parts of drivers ed programs back into those programs, such as Driving Simulators. These simulators would allow for students to react to being behind the wheel, without actually having to get on the roadways. They were “phased out” by many public and private schools because of how expensive they were, and how they were always breaking. With new, modern day technology, we could create a simulator much more powerful, and that needs less maintenance. This would get students in class paying more attention, and therefore being able to retain more information that could save them one day if in a dangerous situation on the road. Next, I would institute a renewal of non-restrictive licenses every decade for all US citizens. I would do this because so often, we see middle aged and older experienced drivers making mistakes, and violating laws. These could be students’ parents, as well as random driving mistakes people notice on the road. In order to review driving safety even with adults, this law would be put into effect in any State that passed it. While I have never been in the car during an accident, obviously throughout my lifetime I have witnessed my parents and other family members speed, forget to signal, not stopping at a stoplight and so much more. While these illegal acts didn’t get anyone hurt, they slowly chip away at your driving integrity. Gradually, you will never start to drive the correct way if you continue with these bad habits. In order to be a safer driver, you need to follow all laws, and most importantly, abide by the speed limit. I think the speed limit is an area of driving where you can actually help the general public. You can do this by going more than the speed limit, and therefore making everyone behind you abide by it as well. Always be looking around, and keep an eye out for aggressive drivers, and breakers of the law.