Name: Allure Isaacs
From: Stafford, VA
Votes: 0
Allure Isaacs
Drivers ed
Initiative Essay
In The Drivers Seat
All lives matter,
yet each year in America we lose an average of 34,000 lives in
driving accidents. It’s imperative to highlight the significance
of each life by mandating a federal Drivers ed Program for all
drivers under age of 25. This federally mandated program will aid in
reducing driving related deaths, identify road hazards, emphasize
seatbelts use, and equip drivers with tools to be safer, better
drivers.
A proper drivers
education program can significantly lead to fewer deaths related to
driving. A recent article, followed a number of teen drivers, over 8
years, shows drivers education significantly reduces crashes and
traffic violations amongst new drivers ”Study: Drivers ed
significantly reduces teen crashes, tickets”. This study also
highlights, teens who don’t take a drivers ed course “are
75 percent more likely to get a traffic ticket, 24 percent more
likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident and 16 percent
more likely to have an accident.” These discoveries prove the 30
years of supposition on the significance of drivers ed. In
Nebraska 53 percent of teens took a state-approved drivers education
course to qualify for their permit. Within 1 year of driving, this
group had significantly fewer accidents and traffic tickets than the
group that logged driving hours without formal driving instruction.
Equally important,
to education is your mental status while operating a vehicle.
Preparation for the road and eliminating outside distractions will
reduce the number of deaths related to driving. A common factor in
driving accidents is driving while under the influence, cell phone
usage, and exceeding the posted speed limits. Those under the
influence of any substance should not operate a vehicle, but find
alternative means of transportation. Many cars are now equipped with
hands free devices, but it is best to simply put your device away
until you’ve arrived at your destination. Additionally driving in
excess of the speed limit is against the law and causes one to over
drive their conditions. Making drivers aware of such hazards will
reduce vehicle accidents. My family has been fortunate to have not
been involved in any major car accidents, but we have been involved
in an incident involving wildlife. I am not sure a Drivers ed
Program could prepare one to meet a deer.
Additionally, safe
driving includes keeping yourself and others safe. Not only does it
teach you focus and planning, it also challenges your reaction and
response skills. While navigating the road, one must maintain focus
and self awareness. Drivers must learn to identify and respond to
reckless driving behaviors. Another important aspect of safe driving
is vehicle maintenance and ensuring you maintain a properly
functioning vehicle.
To protect future
generations, we must provide federally mandated drivers ed.
Note that the number of driving related deaths is greater than the
number of American soldiers who’ve died supporting the wars in
Afghanistan and Iraq. This greater emphasizing the dangers of driving
ill prepared. Drivers ed is important to minimizing the
number of driving related deaths.
