The Importance of Driver Education

Driver education serves as a gateway to becoming a skilled driver. Not only does it teach essential rules and responsibilities to abide by on the road, but by doing so it also significantly reduces the risk of car accidents. Including both fatal and non-fatal, such accidents are mainly caused by ignorance or bad habits on the driver’s part.

To reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving, therefore, receiving driver education should be strongly encouraged among beginners. It should become more affordable or even offered without charge, accessible to everyone. Taking the course should be made mandatory for all first-time drivers regardless of age to prevent oblivious mistakes.

In addition to promoting driver education, heavier laws and fines should be enforced to discourage irresponsible driving behavior such as texting, calling, and being reckless or under the influence. Imposing harsher punishment would have people take into greater consideration the consequences of their actions rather than underestimate traffic laws.

During the early stages of my journey to obtaining a driver’s license, I was quite vulnerable to distractions and an overall careless driver. I formed various bad driving habits without realizing it: I developed a strong inclination to become my own personal DJ. I’d twist the volume knob depending on what song played on the radio, clockwise for soft ballads and counterclockwise for loud pop. Adjusting music to taste, my eyes were far from focused on the road.

As I decorated my car with keychains, hanging ornaments, and air fresheners, I began to get distracted by their flashiness. When the car twisted and turned, my Spongebob keychain seemed to smile at me as it swayed nonchalantly in the air. The swinging duck above the dashboard blocked a great chunk of my peripheral vision, and the strong peppermint scent that wafted from the vents made my eyes water.

I also became prone to daydreaming. Driving along a straight road, I’d let my mind wander off into what could be: me finding the cure to cancer, ending world hunger, and becoming a multi-billionaire, to name a few. My imagination oftentimes led me to arrive at a destination without knowing exactly how I got there, having been occupied in dreamland the whole time.

After completing my driver education and nearly rear-ending a car while messing with the GPS, I realized how lucky I was to not have been in an actual accident with all the bad habits I’d adopted. From that point forward I resolved to put an end to my distracted driving once and for all.

First, I fought the urge to be so controlling over the radio and trained myself to become more lenient to my car’s shuffled playlist. I refrained from listening to music altogether on short trips to the grocery store or school. Doing so helped me avoid the risk of losing my attention to overpowering songs and catchy melodies.

I then sacrificed some of my car’s personalization – ducks on swings, strong fragrances, and even my beloved Spongebob keychain had to content themselves with being left as decor in my bedroom. Not wanting my car to be too bare of any personality, I opted for plainer decorations such as leather keychains and stationary, non-swinging ornaments. I was able to focus on the road rather than aesthetics.

Finally, I took measures to ensure that I was alert and energized before driving. Whether it was power napping after a long day, chewing fresh gum and mints, or staying hydrated, I made sure that I was completely ready to hit the road without a foggy mind.

Learning from my own experience with irresponsible driving, I began to actively encourage safe driving to other people: I pointed out any signs of careless behavior. Whether it was focusing on conversation instead of the road, answering the phone, or blasting overly loud music, I took action as a model passenger to prevent accidents.

I eliminated potential distractions such as ringing electronic devices and tempting drinks and snacks. I picked up the phone on their behalf if it was an emergency, simply turned off all notifications, and avoided diverting the driver’s attention with discussion.

Driver education is an essential step to take in the whole driver’s licensing process. Knowledgeable on traffic regulations and responsibilities, a skilled driver is one who practices awareness of their surroundings. Although I regret having been such an irresponsible driver in the past, I now address my problems and act accordingly. I will continue to practice and advocate safe driving – to raise awareness on the vast importance of securing one’s own safety and that of others.