Informative Essay

Drivers Education Initiative Essay

As a young driver, I’ve learned the importance of taking responsibility once I get behind the wheel. The best way to train young drivers to do this is to make them take comprehensive Driver’s Training courses.

After months of being on the road, I’m proud to be able to say that I just got my Michigan State Driver’s License. I was able to do this not only by completing Segment 1 and Segment 2 Driver’s Training classes but also by practicing with my parents and my grandmother. This has made it clear to me that Drivers Education/Training programs are essential to young drivers because they 1) Teach Driving Fundamentals, 2) Heighten confidence, and 3) Emphasize Personal Responsibility and Safety.

Even though my Dad starting teaching me to drive before I took my Segment 1 Drivers Training Course, I think that taking that course was also very helpful. I learned more about the basics of not only how to drive but also how to properly operate and maintain a car. Driver’s Education programs give new drivers the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a vehicle safely on streets and highways.

The classes helped me understand the rules of the road, traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and the proper use of features such as seat belts, airbags, and mirrors. For example, I didn’t know beforehand that improperly inflated tires can not only affect how a car rides but also create a risk of getting a flat tire or a “blow out” while driving.

The classes also helped me to become more knowledgeable about merging into traffic on freeways, turning, and staying calm when dealing with aggressive drivers. This leads to my next point. A second benefit of Drivers Education Programs is that they build confidence behind the wheel. By learning the fundamentals of driving, new drivers can feel more comfortable and in control while driving. This reduces anxiety and nervousness, which are significant obstacles for new drivers.

When I first began to learn to drive I was nervous and afraid. But after being trained and spending more time on the round I found myself feeling more confident and comfortable behind the wheel.

Now I will often ask my Mom or Dad if I can drive when we’re going out as a family. Driving used to be something I would dread or be afraid of. Now I jump at the chance to do it because I know that the more I drive the more comfortable and confident I become.

But practicing driver safety is probably the most important thing for young drivers to know. While driving, I have seen many people fail to practice the correct driving etiquette. In one instance, I saw a person completely disregard the signals a car in front of them was giving. That car then rammed into the side of the turning vehicle.  I have also seen people ignoring speed limits. I’ve even seen people driving 60 miles per hours in front of my school where the speed limit is 30.

My classes also taught me the importance of being responsible while driving, This included discussions of avoiding drunk driving or distracted driving.

Some people see nothing wrong with driving while inebriated. In fact, there was a time when people even pushed back against making drunk driving illegal. Even today people continue to drive while either drunk or high. Although numerous people drive while inebriated it is a scientific fact that driving while intoxicated is hazardous behavior. Significant dangers of drinking and driving include; slow reaction time, lack of coordination, less concentration, inadequate judgment, and impaired vision. 

These can all lead to severe injuries or death when drunk behind the wheel. Drunk driving is dangerous because it kills one person every 52 minutes. When drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they cannot operate a vehicle safely. But an additional danger is distracted driving.

Eating lunch, doing your makeup, or talking/texting on the phone are activities that shouldn’t be done while driving. The use of mobile phones is especially dangerous and there have even been some studies that have shown that driving while talking on the phone or texting can be just as risky as driving drunk – even if you’re using a “handsfree device” like air pods or a speaker.

In closing, Drivers Education Programs remain absolutely critical for drivers in general and young drivers in particular. While I’m proud to have gotten my license my state would not have allowed me to do so without completing such a program because I’m only 17. But I don’t regret that because taking these courses has helped me to become a more knowledgeable and responsible driver.