Driver’s Education Initiative Award Essay

When you drive, you need to be defensive, attentive, alert, cautious, and anticipate in order to be considered not just a good driver, but a safe driver. You cannot always trust or expect that every driver is going to do the right thing and what they are supposed to do on the roads. Driving is dangerous and if you are not careful, a car crash can be fatal. According to Forbes.com, over 46,000 deaths occur in the United States each year due to car crashes. Driver’s education can provide defensive driving teachings and bring awareness to the different types of accidents, which can reduce the number of accidents, especially among teen drivers that are new and inexperienced. In addition, learning about the dangers of the road can prevent mistakes from happening and make the roads safer for everyone to use. Driver’s education teaches having good judgment and defensive driving techniques where drivers are granted the skills and knowledge to be confident and smart on the road. The main importance of driver’s education is to keep yourself and others safe on the roads and this is called responsible driving.

Steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is just following basic rules: Wear a seat belt. In the event you are in an accident, the seat belt will protect you from the impact of the airbag or flying through the windshield, which is another leading cause of car death due to not wearing a seat belt while driving. Use turn signals when you are supposed to and braking when you should. When you are at a stop sign and turning right, if you see someone on the left, you do not go until the path is clear. It is the same thing for both the left and right sides if you are turning left at a stop sign. Even if it takes forever, wait until you are clear and then proceed; it is worth the wait because it is better to be safe. Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection, look to your left or right side mirrors, rearview mirror, and blind spots before changing lanes, especially on the highway, maintain a constant speed and never be ten or more miles under or over the speed limit, drive slow into turns, watch for pedestrians and cyclists, stop at stop signs and creep up if you need to so you can see both ways until it is safe to move forward, yield the right of way at yield signs, stop signs, lights, and in roundabouts, and avoid distracted driving at all costs. This includes using an electronic device like a cell phone for texting and calling, eating, talking, playing loud music, or looking away at something else.

I have never experienced being in a car accident, but I have seen one of my family members drive through a red light a few times after it had just turned red because they were in a hurry. This is not okay and should not be repeated. Always be prepared to stop at a solid yellow light turning red, unless you have crossed the intersection upon the light turning yellow.

To be a better and safer driver, I always remember to follow the rules, adjust my mirrors and seat belts before I drive, and I anticipate or counter other drivers’ mistakes, like if they are not using the correct signal light or not stopping at a red light or stop sign. Some steps or tips that can be taken to help others on the roads, according to Bridgestone Tire, is obeying all traffic rules and leaving enough space in between you and the car in front of you so you have a fast reaction time and enough room to brake, especially in the event of a sudden emergency. Follow all traffic signals, right of way, and road signs. This will also lessen traffic tickets and keeps other drivers and you feeling safe and comfortable. Wear a seat belt at all times. Slow down. Teenagers are more likely to speed than adult drivers. Keep in mind that the braking distance rises at speeds more than 45 miles per hour and so the higher your speed, the lower the amount of time you have to stop your vehicle, which can lead to injuries and a far worse impact. Always be prepared, so carrying an emergency kit in your car and having your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration with you (Bridgestone 2021). Remove distractions. If you need to use your phone for any reason, pull over when it is safe to do so. Do not text and drive. Lastly, do not drive intoxicated or high. Any form of alcohol or drug can impair your judgment, reaction time, and ability to think clearly. If you are operating a motor vehicle, talk to your doctor first about driving while on medication. These are the safest, best practices for being a safe, informed driver.