Revving Up Responsibility: Turning Safe Driving into the Coolest Trend

Let’s be real – the whole notion of being a safe driver doesn’t exactly scream “excitement.” I mean, who’s genuinely thrilled about double-checking mirrors, staying alert, and putting down the phone? Definitely not Generation Z. Gen Z thrives on the fast, flashy, loud, and unpredictable side of things – that’s the essence of cool for us. And that’s precisely why I’m concerned – we can load up student drivers with all the current driver’s education in the world, but studies show it’s not slashing crash rates like we’d hope.

According to IATSS Research, your typical driver’s ed program might shave off a measly 5% of crash rates in the first year (Peck, 2011). So, what gives? If our current driver’s ed isn’t cutting it, what will? Well, let’s examine the root issue: safe driving isn’t exactly thrilling. But why? Look no further than our idols – the celebrities, the music, the movies – they’ve got us thinking that fast and reckless is the only way to roll. If we’re serious about kicking reckless driving to the curb, we’ve got to tackle the root cause head-on.

Cue the music – because it turns out our favorite jams are shouting that fast-driving equals cool driving. Take “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman – a classic that paints driving fast as a thrill. Even recent tunes like A-O-K are screaming, “pedal to the metal down the interstate!” (Tei Verdes, 2021). And it’s not just in music. According to NBC News, Fast and Furious grossed over $6 billion dollars (NBC News, 2021). Why? Because fast driving encapsulates my generation. Celebs like David Beckham? He’s living the fast car dream. When our idols endorse flashy driving, you bet we want in.

However, I know the impact of reckless driving. It was during my national-level speech and debate competitions, a few months ago, that I received news that shook me to my core. I did not know the person personally, but he was well known in my community. James, one of the brightest debaters in the league, had passed away. The details are haunting. James, occupying the passenger seat, entrusted his life to a friend behind the wheel. Little did he know that a momentary lapse of attention would alter the course of his future. His friend, lost in distraction, casually waved to the side of the road. The car over-corrected, sending it into a chaotic spin down the road. The friend survived. James did not. James, with a future brimming with promise, destined to shine in his senior year, adored people, especially animals, and harbored dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Now, those dreams remain unfulfilled. No more victories in debates or applause for eloquent speeches. No more path leading to the fulfilling vocation he aspired to. Why? Because his friend, in a moment of negligence, was at the wheel. That tragic incident illustrates the profound truth that our actions, especially behind the wheel, carry consequences that ripple far beyond ourselves. We are entrusted with the lives of others when we drive. We must drive not just responsibly but safely, recognizing that the well-being of others is in our hands. It’s a somber lesson that James’ untimely departure imparts – a call to drive with the gravity of understanding that others’ lives depend on it.

So, how do we solve this problem? To seriously tackle the issue and bring down the death toll on the roads, we’ve got to go straight to the source. It’s not just about telling people to be safe; it’s about changing the mindset. Our influencers, the celebrities, and the entertainment industry need to step up and promote responsible driving. If celebs like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Zendaya, or Shawn Mendes, individuals who are the epitome of cool, encouraged their masses to utilize safe driving, then our roads might be safer. Shifting the narrative to make safe driving as cool as the fast and reckless might just see those numbers of fatalities and crashes drop.

In essence, it truly starts with us. We’ve got to make safe driving the new cool, ditching reckless habits and embracing a mindset that values safety. It’s not just about us; it’s about looking out for our friends and encouraging them to make better choices on the road. Driver’s education curriculum should partner with influencers to show individuals in my generation that safe driving is the best option. In memory of James and countless others, let’s buckle up, stay focused, and redefine cool – making safe driving not just a choice but a movement.