The Importance of Safe Driving

Driver education is extremely important in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. When I turned sixteen, my parents had me take driving lessons. At first I thought it was dumb to take them because I thought they were saying I was a bad driver. Now, I realize that they did this for my own safety and I am very grateful that they made me take driving lessons. I am so much more confident on the rules of the road, which is very important in keeping drivers safe, especially young ones. The number one cause of death among 16-24 year olds is vehicle crashes. Inexperience, distractions, speeding, and careless driving are among the top causes of these crashes. Driver education is extremely important in keeping people on the roads safe, especially new drivers. The more educated and careful drivers that we have on the road, the less crashes that will occur. Students who take driver education learn the importance of obeying laws, not getting distracted, the rules of the road, and even simple ways on how to control the car that can be key to avoiding accidents. Driver education teaches people to be defensive drivers, which in the long run can save so many lives. It is very important that young drivers get plenty of driving time behind the wheel with an experienced driver in the car with them. This can help reduce anxiety and overall make students better drivers. As we increase the number of safe drivers on the road as a result of driver education, we will see less fatal accidents occuring.

There are many important steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Wearing a seat belt is extremely important, and you should check to make sure everyone in your vehicle is correctly wearing their seat belt before starting your drive. Placing your phone out of reach and putting it on silent, as well as adjusting your music before you begin driving are necessary to limit distractions, especially among young people who can be easily distracted by their phones. It only takes a second of looking away from the road for you to lose control of your vehicle. Always be aware of your surroundings by paying attention to important road signs, signals from other drivers, and the conditions of the road. You should keep your speed down and adjust it depending on the weather and road conditions, if necessary. Never depend on other drivers and you should always expect them to not do what they are supposed to. For example, at a four way stop sign you should never assume that because its your turn no one else is going to try and go. You should still look both ways and proceed slowly and cautiously. Turn signals should never be blindly followed because you never know when someone has accidentally left one on or forgot to put one on before turning. Defensive driving is very important in preventing fatal accidents. The four second rule should always be followed, so both you and other cars have time if something happens, such as an animal running out on the road. Before getting behind the wheel or in a car with someone else, you need to make sure the driver is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You should also make sure the driver is not too tired to safely drive a vehicle. A very important, but often overlooked step, is leaving yourself spare time to get to your destination. This means leaving extra time to get there, in case you get stuck in traffic or there is road construction delaying your route. Even if you do not run in to any of these delays, it is still very important to leave your house early, so you do not rush and drive carelessly. If you do end up running late, remember that being on time is not worth your life. All of these steps are simple and can be the difference between life or death.

A student in my school was killed in an accident a little over a year ago. His friend was speeding and lost control of the car. He was not wearing a seatbelt, so he was ejected from the car and was killed. His death could have been prevented if his friend had obeyed the speed limit and if he had worn his seat belt. This example of irresponsible driving has resulted in so much sadness in our communtiy and school. I drive safe so that my family hopefully never has to go through what his family did.

I can help the roads become safer by being a safe driver and encouraging my friends and family to be safe drivers, as well. I will continue to hold my friends and family accountable for their actions while driving. I will call them out if they are not practicing safe driving techniques. I will also hold myself accountable for my actions while driving. Even as I become more comfortable behind the wheel, I will continue to stay alert and not get relaxed with any rules. I will not have road rage if I encounter an irresponsible driver. I will not get emotional and act out, no matter what the other driver is doing. I will stay educated on laws and continue to practice safe driving.