At the Intersection of Need and Change

That is the third cycle my direction has been skipped.

When is it going to be my turn? I just want to get home.

Oh, finally! Green. Nobody in the intersection. Go.

Why am I facing the wrong direction? Wasn’t I going North?

Smoke? Smoke!

Out! Get out. Get to safety.

Call Dad.

Breathe. I am okay.

I would rather not say that I have first-hand experience with needing better driver education, but I do. That night, at that intersection, I developed a keen awareness of the pivotal role that driver education plays in mitigating the number of fatalities resulting from driving-related incidents each year. Thankfully, I was not a casualty, just caught in a bad situation. The roads we all share can be dangerous, but through comprehensive education and heightened awareness, we can take meaningful strides toward enhancing safety for all.

Annually, a significant number of lives are unfortunately lost because of road accidents. The impact of these occurrences extends beyond the victims, affecting families, communities, and society at large. However, there are various measures that can be implemented to mitigate the number of fatalities resulting from driving-related incidents.

To start, it is essential to augment and increase the accessibility of driver education programs for young drivers. Returning driver education classes to schools would be a good start. Many teenagers do not have the transportation, time, or funds to attend driver’s education classes. A comprehensive driver education curriculum is the cornerstone of teaching responsible drivers. Not only does a complete program impart the technical aspects of operating a vehicle but it also teaches vital skills such as defensive driving, hazard perception, and intelligent decision-making. By guaranteeing that all young drivers receive a top-notch education, we can establish a solid groundwork for safer roads.

The implementation of more stringent sanctions for reckless and hazardous driving conduct should also be considered as an effective deterrent. A significant number of vehicular mishaps stem from excessive speed, distracted driving, or driving under the influence. In my situation, it was insurance fraud. The offending driver waited just behind the traffic light with their lights off so I could not see them. Once the light turned green, they accelerated into the intersection and hit me going over 35mph. An accident reconstruction, the removal of crash data from both of our cars and a multiple month-long investigation revealed that she intentionally hit me so she could get my insurance company to pay for her repairs. Beyond not receiving any compensation for her repairs or feigned injury, there were no other penalties for her actions. By imposing more severe repercussions, we can dissuade individuals from intentionally putting other drivers in danger.

For me personally, there are multiple steps I can take to protect my own safety beginning with staying informed and up to date with traffic laws and regulations. Had I better known my rights at the time of my accident, I would have been better prepared to defend myself to the police responding to the scene. I was not allowed to explain my side of the story and was made to sit alone. There was a clear bias towards me as a minor and I believe if I knew how to speak to the officers in a clear and concise manner, I would have been treated differently.

Since the accident, I started paying more attention to my defensive driving skills. I try to anticipate the actions of other drivers, remain alert, and avoid distractions. My phone is set to driving mode and I never drive too late at night. I also pay attention to the condition my vehicle is in and make sure I have weather-appropriate tires. Being a driver in a state that gets plenty of snow, I also make sure to adjust my speed for the road conditions. Having a vehicle in good working condition with a high safety rating protected me from sustaining any injuries from my accident. Finally, it goes without saying that I always wear my seat belt and require that anyone in my vehicle do the same.

I believe driver education plays a crucial role in mitigating the annual fatalities resulting from driving-related incidents. My personal encounter with a deliberate collision has further emphasized the pressing need for this matter. Through the enhancement of driver education, the imposition of stricter penalties for hazardous driving behaviors, and the assumption of personal accountability for our conduct on the road, we can strive toward a safer and more secure future for all drivers and pedestrians.