A lesson learned

A Lesson that Should be Learned

Since I was 12 years old I’ve always wanted to drive, not knowing the true privilege it is to drive and how dangerous it is. I thought that I was experienced enough after years of playing video games but I was very wrong. When I was 15 ½ I was preparing to take my permit test by reading the DMV driver’s handbook and taking the required online driver’s education course. I quickly learned that there is a lot of risk and from that point on I made sure I knew every way of driving safely and having the skill set to watch my surroundings and be a defensive driver at the same time. After I passed the course and the permit test I began driving on the road with my dad. Taking it slow at first, I was able to get comfortable with being behind the wheel while simultaneously being observant of other drivers on the road. I was able to look at the signs, for example being more cautious for cars that don’t slow down when approaching a red light even when I have the right-away. After working on those skills for a couple weeks I was able to do driver’s ed behind the wheel. Where I was able to learn how to be a defensive driver correctly. I successfully completed the course and the day after my 18th birthday I took and passed my driving test. If it were not for me taking those courses then I wouldn’t be the safe and responsible driver I am now.

I was recently in my first car accident. No one’s life should be in danger because of unsafe drivers. The driver never stopped and hit another car seconds after. That accident put me in a reality check of how fast things can go terribly wrong and how other driver actions could cause life altering damage. He made me wonder if I was the one in the wrong, was there something that I could’ve done to avoid it. Thank god I was blessed enough to walk away with only a bruise on my leg. While entering an off ramp a driver who acted selfishly ,not thinking of his or my life drove over the speed limit and dangerously swerving in and out of lanes hit the tail of my car causing me to hit the side of the wall of the ramp.

The requirement for completing both behind-the-wheel training and an online driver’s education course is currently limited to individuals under the age of 18. However, it is crucial to emphasize that these courses play a significant role in promoting safer driving practices. In fact, the potential severity of my accident could have been much worse had it not been for these courses, as they equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively control my vehicle and mitigate any further damage. Consequently, I firmly believe that if behind-the-wheel training and driver’s education were mandatory for individuals of all ages preparing to undertake the written or practical DMV tests, it could contribute substantially to reducing the overall fatality rate associated with driving. By expanding the reach of these courses, we can amplify their positive impact on road safety and ensure that all drivers are well-prepared and informed.

While some may argue that course requirements for driving are futile since there will always be individuals who continue to drive recklessly even after passing the mandatory courses and tests, the value of driver’s education goes beyond just curbing reckless behavior. It equips responsible drivers with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the roads safely and avoid becoming victims of reckless driving. By ensuring that all drivers, regardless of their previous driving experience, receive proper education, we can empower them with the ability to control their vehicles effectively and exercise caution while observing the road. This enables them to anticipate potential accidents and take preventive measures before they occur.Supporting this notion, a comprehensive study conducted over a span of eight years explored the impact of driver’s education on more than 150,000 juvenile drivers.

The results unequivocally demonstrated that driver’s education plays a pivotal role in reducing traffic infractions and crashes among novice drivers.The course requirements expose new drivers to crucial traffic laws, road safety regulations, and defensive driving techniques. They teach individuals how to react in emergency situations and provide them with the skills necessary to make informed decisions on the road. Moreover, driver’s education instills a sense of responsibility and accountability, fostering a culture of safe driving habits among young drivers.Furthermore, this education not only benefits the drivers themselves but also has a positive influence on the wider community. By encouraging responsible driving practices, we can collectively minimize the occurrence of accidents, reduce traffic congestion, and create a safer environment for all road users

Making sure that I am responsible when behind the wheel and spreading the word on driver’s education and its importance is a task that I proudly take on for the rest of my life.Since Since the accident I drive being even more aware on the road and making sure that those in my family drive with the same awareness that people’s lives are too precious to be put at risk with reckless driving.