Not Just a Statistic

The
number of deaths due do car accidents is climbing at an alarming
rate. Drivers ed is essential for teaching student drivers the
responsibility of having a license. Many people even chose to get
behind the wheel without a license. Drivers ed should be
enforced more seriously to ensure drivers are being responsible
behind the wheel. Today it is very easy to coast through drivers ed
and get behind the wheel without having the proper knowledge to be a
safe driver. Many people overlook the simple rules of checking the
speed limit or looking over your shoulder when changing lanes. All
the information presented in drivers ed can help prevent fatal
crashes.

I
personally have never been involved in an accident but I have had the
opportunity to be a part of a program through my school that educates
students on the importance of safe driving.  The program is
called Every 15 Minutes and its main focus is accidents caused by
impaired driving.  Being in high school, I have been surrounded
by underage drinking and irresponsible decisions. Especially in the
age of technology, using phones while driving has become increasingly
normalized. Being a part of the “Every 15 Minutes” program was a
very eye-opening experience. We had the opportunity to listen to
guest speakers that have lost loved ones to car accidents and also
hear stories from Highway Patrol Officers.  We also had the
opportunity to put on a crash demonstration for the student body
complete with real first responders. Even though it was staged,
seeing my fellow classmates in a crash being put into body bags was
emotional. Many people think of car accidents as statistics, but
these are real lives that are being taken by unsafe drivers. Families
and friends are being affected by others making the conscience
decision to drive recklessly.  After going through this program,
I made an internal promise to myself to always be responsible behind
the wheel. Driving over the speed limit or looking at my phone isn’t
worth the potential risk of putting my life or someone else’s life
at risk.

Implementing
some type of learning course where student drivers can learn the
consequences of reckless driving may result in a decrease of deaths
from accidents.  Many people speed through drivers ed and do not
fully soak in all the information put in front of them. They want to
fast forward and receive their license to gain that independence and
freedom. From my experience, I can say that hearing how people’s
lives are affected from reckless driving really changed my
perspective. I believe this type of program will help others
understand the responsibility that comes with driving a vehicle that
has the power to take a life.