Driver Education Initiative – In the Driver’s Seat

I
remember the first time my father took me driving. As he handed me
the keys, he said that I should never forget that I could easily kill
someone with a car, including myself, if I was not a safe driver. I
took those words to heart and listened, for once, to all the
instructions and guidance that my parents gave me, including
enrolling me in a second independent drivers ed course. Driver education  taught me so  much more than what I simply needed to pass
the permit test. Drivers ed showed me the consequences of
unsafe driving and how quickly a fatal accident could occur,
especially because I was an inexperienced or distracted driver.
Having the knowledge of the rules of the road and learning how to
operate a car under the supervision of a trained expert increases the
likelihood that a person will develop safe driving habits so that the
chances of fatal accidents will decrease.

While there are several steps to reduce the number of deaths from
driving each year, including greater awareness and enforcement of
drunk driving laws, the single biggest thing that can be done is to
ensure that every licensed driver is properly trained on how to
operate a car safely. Second, if people cannot stop using cellphones
in the car while driving voluntarily, then there should be technology
that inhibits all cell phone functions except being able to make an
emergency call. This need to become standard. Driving is a skill that
cannot be multitasked. Driving already requires your body and your
mind.

Unfortunately, I have been in two car accidents as a passenger.
Fortunately, none of them were serious, and no one was hurt. However,
in each case, it seemed to me that the whole reason the accident
occurred was because someone was not paying attention. One time, my
mom had picked me up from school, it was raining very hard and the
light had turned yellow. Suddenly, someone hit us from behind,
because the roads were slippery, and they were following too close.
My mom slowed down, but the other driver did not because he was
talking on his phone.

I
think it goes without saying that the biggest thing anyone can do to
become a better and safer driver is to put their phone on “do not
disturb” before buckling their seat belt. Second, always try to be
a defensive driver. Pay attention to what you are doing but pay
attention to all of the other cars in your driving circle, so that
you can react quickly if necessary. Third, follow the rules of the
road and obey the speed limit. Driving too fast can be a dangerous
distraction. Finally, I think we can help others when we are
passengers in their car, by praying for our safety, encouraging them
to drive safely, and pointing out if they are being unsafe. No one
wants to lose a friend or family member because of careless driving.