Safe Driving is Selfless not Selfish

Driver’s education is important in reducing the number of deaths because it’s like a foundation of good driving. If we all learn and pay attention to the rules of the road and follow the instructions and advice of the instructor, everyone on the road would be a lot safer.

When I filled out the paperwork for my driver’s permit, my dad told me something that I will never forget. He said that my permit and future driver’s license would be one of the greatest responsibilities of my life because it would put me behind the wheel of an “8,000-pound weapon.” I’d never heard driving put that way before. I was still excited to learn how to drive but his words made me think a lot about how important it is to be a good driver. It’s not a joke. I’m a good student and always take pride in my grades and overall academic performance. But I told myself that I needed to make sure I took driver’s school just as seriously.

To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, I think drivers need to be reminded of the many ways that driving can go from your mundane commute to work or school to a potentially dangerous situation that deserves your extra attention. We have apps for just about everything. How about an app for drivers, especially new drivers, that notifies you of dangerous driving conditions and gives you advice before you get behind the wheel like watch out for construction or it’s really windy out. Or even commercials that give you tips and reminders about slowing down when it’s raining or snowing and turning your headlights on would help. Each state could also increase their public service messages about that. I saw a commercial once where the driver was tailgating recklessly and sneezed. The screen went dark for a second (to show how you close your eyes when you sneeze) and when it came back, that car had crashed into the one in front of it. That was a really good way that I learned how important it is to not follow too closely and keep my distance.

The week before I got my license, I was in our car with my mom when we were rear-ended leaving a parking lot. The other driver turned out to be a friend of mine who just got her license three months before. She was totally at fault and felt really bad. It was raining really hard and she said she thought our car was turning so she accelerated too fast. It was obviously a mistake and she paid for the damages. But when I took my driver’s license test the next week, I made sure to pay extra close attention to everything the instructor told me. I also went back and reviewed the driver’s ed class notes and materials too.

But three days after I got my license, I was again reminded of how dangerous driving can be. On November 5, 2022, my mom’s friend was killed by someone who was texting and driving. She was standing on a bike path waiting for her husband when a driver left the road while reading a text message on her phone. She hit a road sign that then flew and hit my mom’s friend on the head and killed her. She was a wife, mother of two and only 48 years old. Our family was devastated at losing our friend, but we were also angry at the driver. Texting is so common but it should never be done while driving. I tell all my friends not to text and drive because any text can wait. It’s not worth it. One of her sons was a student at my high school and it was heartbreaking to see him so sad for something that shouldn’t have happened.

For me, to be a better and safer driver takes a real commitment to driving safely every time I get behind the wheel. Staying under the speed limit and keeping a safe distance are two ways I always think about driving safely. I also pledged to my parents that I will never drink and drive, drive sleepy or aggressively. Being accountable to them makes me think about how important it is to drive safely, not just for myself but for the others on the road. When you’re in your car by yourself it’s easy to think only about yourself. But you need to remember to share the road. Selfish drivers are the worst kind of drivers, in my opinion.