Drivers ed: The Importance of Safety Among Teens

Drivers
Education: The Importance of Safety Among Teens

Learning
to drive was one of the most exciting parts of my highschool life. I
loved the freedom it afforded me. I was able to go where I wanted
when I wanted without the worry of burdening my parents. However,
driving is also one of the most dangerous things that we as a society
partake in. On average 101 people die from car accidents every day in
the US. Of that the most at risk age group is 16 – 24. Drivers
education is necessary to reduce the number of deaths due to driving
by providing information, safety protocol and confidence to young
drivers.

Drivers
education works to provide information about the rules and
regulations of the road. When I was in drivers ed I read different
lessons about each sign or road rule, I then took a test that quizzed
me on what I had just learned. This helped to solidify each concept
and made me feel confident about each procedure. By teaching young
drivers about the regulations of the road drivers ed makes students
more perceptive to the flow of traffic. It also provides a back bone
of knowledge so that young drivers aren’t “flying blind.” These
tools are key to avoiding accidents and fatality.

Teens
often fall prey to distracted driving which is why by having mandated
hours of driving with an instructor or parent, drivers ed builds the
confidence of students in handling a motor vehicle. When young
drivers are more comfortable in their cars they have greater control
over different potentially dangerous situations. An aspect of driving
that stressed me out was right of ways and who is supposed to go
when. I was really nervous about making a mistake in this area as it
could cause an accident. However, drivers ed and my instructor
explained the logic behind right of ways. This helped to sooth my
nerves and in the end made me a better more confident driver. I have
found that this is a common experience among young drivers. Drivers
education helps them to better understand aspects of driving so they
are a safer driver overall. In this way young drivers become more
confident and comfortable driving.

Young
drivers are the most vulnerable age group for driving. We are the
most likely to get tickets, crashes and die from motor vehicle
incidents. Drivers ed teaches teenagers the rules of the road
in order for them to drive more safely. By giving students the
knowledge and confidence to take on the responsibility of driving,
drivers ed lowers the death rate of teen drivers and
ultimately makes us all safer.