Name: Allison Suzanne Klavuhn
From: Everett, PA
Votes: 0
By: Allison Klavuhn
Drivers ed is a class that I believe many high school
students take for granted. Students go to the class and just do what
they need to pass and become one step closer to graduating. However,
Drivers ed is one of the most crucial classes kids take in
high school to prepare them for the real world. Calculus may prepare
you if need to find your “X,” and English may prepare you to be
the next Shakespeare, but Drivers ed prepares you to “get
somewhere” in life.
Drivers ed informs students of proper road etiquette,
important regulations, and what not to do when driving. The more
information that drivers know, the less wrecks, and a lower number of
fatalities due to driving. Drivers ed informs students
about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
and distracted driving. According to the CDC website, twenty-nine
people die every day in a crash caused by a driver that is under the
influence of alcohol and nine people die a day from distracted
driving accidents. If every driver was required to take a driver
education course, and was informed of the potential dangers of
driving, it would greatly reduce the number of deaths. Also, if law
enforcement continues to enforce the road regulations, the hazardous
drivers will hopefully learn a lesson and drive more carefully to
protect themselves and others.
Thankfully, I have not been involved in a car accident. However, I
have witnessed accidents and some of my friends and family members
have been involved in crashes. I have also observed friends and
family members speeding, texting while driving, or touching up their
makeup while driving. In all of the accidents I have witnessed,
someone broke a law or did something that forced them to take their
eyes off the road for a split second. Personally, to keep myself and
other drivers safe, I try to devote my full attention to the road. I
keep my phone on silent, and out of my line of sight in my console. I
do not eat while driving to avoid distraction. I take time to look
two, three, or even four times before moving in a crowded
intersection. I am also comfortable with all of the basic operations
of my car, and ensure brake lights, headlights, turn signals, and
tail lights are all in working order to help prevent a crash due to
negligence.
It’s each individual’s duty to focus on being a safe driver, not
only for their own safety, but for the safety of all others on the
roadways. I believe proper education for drivers is one of the most
important ways to ensure everyone’s safety.
