The Importance of Drivers ed

One
of the most dangerous and frequent activities that people partake in
is driving. While driving is a necessity, irresponsible driving
results in tens of thousands of deaths on the road in the United
States. It is a driver’s responsibility to be prepared when they
step into an automobile and hit the road.

Obtaining
drivers ed plays a pivotal role in keeping ourselves and others
safe while on the road. Drivers ed is designed to help people
learn and understand the varying laws while they are on the road. An
understanding of these laws is required in order to prevent accidents
and deaths while driving. Another aspect of drivers ed is
getting behind the wheel and practicing with an instructor. Practice
is essential in making the student driver better control the car and
teaching them how to be a defensive driver and to look out for
others.

There
are various circumstances that can be distracting to the driver and
increase the risk of getting into an accident. The cell phone is one
of the main distractions in causing drivers to divert their attention
from the road. Texting and calling when driving are the most common
distractions. As a passenger, I have witnessed drivers playing games
and even watching TV on their phones while driving. Even something as
common as changing the radio can keep a driver’s eyes from the
road. It only takes a second of looking away from the road for a
distracted driver to get in an accident.

My
older brother used to be one of the most irresponsible drivers that I
knew. On our way to school he would constantly speed in order to get
there in time. I would be scared to look at the speedometer when I
was in the car with him because he was often going fifteen or twenty
miles per hour over the speed limit. I had always played out the
thought of us getting in an accident, but luckily it never happened.
My brother ended up bumping into the back of another car on the last
day of exams for school. After that he started to slow down and
adhere to the speed.

One
of the biggest steps in helping yourself and others become safer
while driving is to constantly review and stay up to date on the laws
and rules of the road. This helps the driver better adhere to the
rules of the road. Another factor to keep in mind is to get rid of
all distractions while in the car. Make sure the phone is off or
away, and if you want to change the radio station then wait until you
come to a complete stop. Even passengers must make sure not to
distract the driver. Any form of distraction can put everyone in
danger.

To
reduce the number of accidents and deaths, the key is to remove all
distractions. It’s a driver’s responsibility to be aware of their
surroundings to keep yourself and other drivers safe.