Many students at Cypress High are at driving age. Some students who are interested in driving often do not know how to start the process. A lack of time is another barrier, as students are usually involved in sports, after-school extracurriculars, and much more. And for some, driving isn’t a priority during the busy school year.
Luckily, there is a solution that informs students and reminds them to be safe on the road. Cypress High used to have a mandatory Driver’s Education course up until the ‘90s. Bringing back a new and improved Driver’s Education could greatly benefit students. It could be a mandatory semester-long course for graduation. Making this course only one semester long allows students lots of flexibility within their schedules. Sophomores and upperclassmen could take this course from the Fall of Sophomore year to the Spring of Senior year.
Additionally, this class could be offered in the summer and partnered with ROP centers and Apex programs. In the summer, the class would be one and a half months long. Ensuring students have flexible schedules is crucial, as school-based courses provide a more structured learning environment and reinforce and promote safe driving. Many students could find it beneficial to have a designated time to focus on learning how to drive in a safe manner. This reduces procrastination for students who are getting their driver’s licenses.
Despite this being a possible solution, there are questions about why this course should be mandatory. According to the CDC, teen drivers aged 16-19 have the highest rate of fatal accidents. This course can teach vital skills that could save lives. Having the Driver’s Education and Ethics course will reinforce safe driving among our youth. Another question students and parents may have is, “Who will teach these classes?” Hopefully, with enough allocated funds, Cypress can hire Driver’s Education teachers on campus. No teacher will have to teach a different course nor undergo training for it, unless they want to. The reinstatement of this course is planned to transition smoothly into the curriculum without disrupting too much of what students and teachers are familiar with. This prevents students from negatively associating the course as a chore, thus making them more open to taking it.
The impact of our students taking these courses extends much further, as encouraging responsible driving habits protects student drivers and everyone around them. The skills gained from this course prepare students for real-world driving scenarios, reduce accidents, and even save lives. Taking the time to learn about road safety, laws, and how to drive responsibly is worth the initial costs and time constraints. Being an informed and safe driver makes all the difference. By ensuring students have access to proper driver’s education, we are not just teaching them to drive—we are protecting lives.
