Having a driver’s license isn't just about freedom. It’s also about the huge responsibility for your life and the lives of others in a vehicle. A single mistake while driving a car can have lifelong consequences for you and other drivers. Drivers and communities can both help to bring the death toll related to driving down. Personal experiences affect how someone drives. If they are emotional, they may be more careless, but if they have been in an accident before, they may tend to be more vigilant when on the road. Statistics show that new drivers who have supervised driving training, such as the training they get in driver’s ed, reduce crashes by 39%.
Driver’s ed is a handy tool, especially for new drivers. A study has shown that courses such as driver’s education reduce crashes by 4.3% and reduce convictions by nearly 40%. Driver’s ed teaches you how to avoid becoming one of these statistics. The driver's education course can help people practice skills such as scanning ahead and reacting to hazards while driving. It also teaches drivers to use smooth braking, steady turns, and teaches drivers to be prepared and ready for almost anything on the road. 
Steps that can be done to reduce the number of deaths related to driving include simply obeying traffic laws, practicing defensive driving, and limiting distractions. Always wear a seatbelt, regardless of the distance that is being driven. Never start the vehicle without a seatbelt on. Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Put away phones or any other electronics that can distract you from the road.  Drive behind vehicles at safe distances, use your mirrors and turn signals, and always be prepared for the actions of others on the road with you. Follow speed limits, drive slower when weather conditions are poor, avoid driving when tired or drowsy,  and keep the vehicle in good condition. Regularly check tires, brakes, and lights to make sure they work properly.
Communities can enforce traffic laws, especially those for drunk drivers and speeders. Public education courses for all ages can be implemented. Roads can be fixed with better lighting, more signs designating speed limits, and more lanes can be added for pedestrians and bicyclists. Designated drivers need to be promoted. When the idea of having a designated driver is promoted, more people will remember to assign one, especially when alcohol is involved.
I personally have not been in an accident or have witnessed a family member drive recklessly. Steps I can take to be a better driver include always going the speed limit, paying attention to drivers around me, and always wearing my seatbelt. Another thing I can do to be a better driver and keep drivers around me safe is to stay sober. If I do drink, I will ask someone sober to be the driver or call someone, such as a family member or an Uber, instead of taking the risks of driving myself and possibly killing myself or someone else because I drove drunk. I will eliminate any distractions in my vehicle. This means I will turn my cell phone off and place it where I can not reach or see it when driving, I will turn the radio off, and I will limit the number of passengers allowed in my vehicle. To keep myself and others safe, I will not drive early in the mornings or late at night when I am tired, so I do not drive drowsily. The most important thing I can do is keep my eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. 
To make others around me safer while I am driving, I will check speed limits and traffic rules whenever I am going to another state or county that has different rules than where I currently reside. I will pay attention to flashing lights and traffic signs, as well as always watch out for pedestrians and cyclists. I will always be aware of the people driving around me, and I will make sure to follow the “3-second rule”. I will adjust my speed to the road conditions and always remain calm, avoiding road rage. I will be extra alert for pedestrians and cyclists in low visibility conditions, and I will never underestimate their speed. Another thing I can do to help myself and others is keep an emergency kit in my vehicle that includes jumper cables, a flashlight, a blanket, and a first aid kit. Remember to always drive safely!