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Driver Education Initiative – Passing the Test Doesn’t Mean You Won’t Pass Away

Name: Connor Rousseau
From: Saginaw, Michigan
Votes: 0


Driver
education is critically important in reducing the number of driving
related deaths. My drivers ed instructor used a powerful
metaphor to burn into our brains the importance of driver safety. He
said when you are behind the wheel of a car you are holding a loaded
gun with your finger on the trigger. If you are irresponsible with
it, you could get yourself or someone else killed. To reduce driving
related deaths, people need to be reminded that it can happen to
anyone, including themselves. Many teenagers often feel that they are
invincible, or that all the tragic stories they hear on the news
could never happen to them. While it’s common for adolescents to
feel this way, it only makes it more necessary that safety is nailed
into their brains. They should not only be educated on safe driving,
but on the possible consequences of reckless driving. Truly effective
drivers ed should break down and discuss adolescents’
excuses: “It’s okay to speed if no one is around. I can roll
through a stop sign if I am running late for work. I can text my
friend while I’m driving as long as I check the road every few
seconds.”

A
good friend of mine recently broke her neck in a car accident. It
wasn’t her fault, which taught me that even safe drivers are at
risk on the road. This makes defensive driving vital, for accidents
can happen to anyone. Humans are fragile, and even with today’s
safety technology, the greatest defense we have is our brain. We must
be alert and conscious of the people around us, for they are just as
much a threat to us as we are to them. Learning how to be a
responsible defensive driver should be integrated into all driver
education programs and courses. A series of public service
announcements broadcasted on various media channels would be an
invaluable way of reminding
all
drivers
of their serious responsibilities on the road.

Simply
waiting until you’re old enough to take the driving exam isn’t
enough anymore. Knowing how to drive a car and stay in your lane
doesn’t necessarily make you an educated driver. All people should
be required to take drivers ed courses so they are exposed to
the wide range of risks that exist on the roads, whether it be
weather, other drivers, or themselves.

Finally,
practicing what you preach is critical. I will keep a worry stone in
my car to remind me of all my friends who’ve been in accidents.
This stone will psychologically trigger memories and feelings which
remind me of the importance of driver safety. Even the most
well-trained gun experts follow the same basic rules. They aren’t
exempt from safety just because they’ve been doing it a long time.
As someone who aspires to become a teacher one day, I will integrate
driver safety into many of my lessons, advocating for the safety of
my students and others while on the road.