DMV Drivers ed Initiative Essay

Faith
Taylor

March
24, 2020

DMV
Driver
Education Initiative Award

Driving
has become a normal part of life for Americans, whether by being in
the driver’s or passenger’s seat. Although there are steps taken
beforehand to ensure that one can drive, including driving and
written tests, there are still thousands of car related deaths every
year. It is of utmost importance for drivers to understand the risks
of driving. Some of the biggest factors in driving related deaths are
due to unbuckled passengers, drunkenness, etc., some of which could
be entirely prevented with better education. 

There
are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent car related
deaths. For all drivers, keeping one’s car well maintained is very
beneficial. Faulty brakes could be the causation of a fatal car
accident, which could be prevented if the car is attended to on a
regular basis. Another step that can be taken to prevent car related
deaths is avoiding driving while under any influence. Whether that
influence is alcohol or drugs, being fully aware behind the wheel
will keep the driver’s chances of survival much higher. Included in
the average 34,000 yearly deaths from driving related accidents are
other drivers. When taking these steps to increase safety, drivers
aren’t only protecting themselves but also others.

I
have been in cars for the entirety of my life. With that, it is only
understandable that I have been in an accident. At a young age,
around 8 or 9 years old, my family and I decided to travel to New
York. We decided to start driving in the middle of the night to save
time. My dad laid down the back seats so my brother and I could
sleep, but he forgot that we were unbuckled. While we were driving on
the freeway, he noticed a car that was speeding towards us.
Unfortunately, it was apparent that the other driver was under an
influence and crashed into the back of our car. My brother and I were
hit directly and attained injuries from it. My dad stopped the car
and got out to see what had happened, but as soon as he did the other
driver sped away to avoid justice. I learned from that experience
that one could be driving safely, and still end up in an accident
because of someone else. 

I
can always become an even better and safer driver. Making sure to
follow all
of the rules of the road would be a great first step. For example,
actually slowing down instead of speeding up at a yellow light could
keep everyone on the road safer. Another example would be using turn
indicators at every turn. That would help the people around me be
aware of my next move. In regards to helping others be safe drivers,
I can encourage friends and family who are driving to keep their
phones off and limit distractions.

Driving
safely is essential to limiting the amount of car related deaths, and
with increased education, the average 34,000 can decrease.