An End To Reckless Drivers

“3, 2, 1, GO!” I press the gas pedal in as far as I can, and I feel my heart pump and the adrenaline rush throughout my body. For the first few minutes, my car is flying and turning without hesitation, despite the high speeds. A car comes up from behind and smashes into me. I lose control of the wheel and dive into the water. I see my score decrease as the end-of-race results are displayed on the screen.

In Mario Kart, players can crash and fly off the map an unlimited number of times, with the ability to come back to the race and try again. This game experience, although fun, is unrelatable. In real life, we have no guarantee of coming out safely from an automobile incident. As a result, knowing how to avoid automobile collisions is crucial to reducing the number of deaths. Driver education can teach new drivers the essential skills and attitudes that are necessary for safe and responsible driving. Drivers gain knowledge regarding vehicle technology usage while driving, which encourages them to build confidence when behind the wheel. These positive behaviors help drivers drive more consciously, reducing the number of accidents that happen on the road.

In the United States alone, there have been reported to be about 39,508 fatal motor vehicle collisions, most of which resulted in 42,939 deaths. (Fatality Facts 2021, State by State) This statistic is heavily influenced by the irresponsible driving that is executed on the road. Many drivers have adapted to the fast-paced world that we live in now and have seen phone usage while driving as normal. In efforts to reduce the number of deaths, the number of irresponsible drivers should first be addressed. This can be managed through driving courses and education resources available to drivers.

In addition, improving road signs, marks, and lighting could also potentially help reduce the number of fatalities, aiding drivers in unfortunate circumstances. Assistance for susceptible street users can also be implemented through bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and safety zones to reduce the number of incidents caused by pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. 

Although some incidents are due to vulnerable users on the road, most of them are reported to be caused by other drivers. Throughout my driving career, I have fallen victim to this irresponsible driving. One Thursday afternoon, I was cruising on a one-way street with no stops. I had music playing, and I had just reached down to adjust the volume when a car crashed into me at full speed. They had run a stop sign, and my car paid the consequence. I was in shock, too stunned to speak. Cars merged lanes, passing the collision. Within seconds, the driver ran away, along with the passengers. I drove my car to the side of the street and watched the now-empty car roll and crash against a tree. 

This event was scary and still lingers while I drive on one-way streets, scared that another driver might run a stop sign. This feeling has helped me become a more responsible driver, as I give my full attention to the road and key factors.

I now go the extra mile to ensure not only mine but also other drivers’ safety. When I need to take or make a call, I make sure to stop safely on the side of the road, to eliminate distractions while driving. Making sure to get my environment situated before driving helps me drive calmly and not be worried about outside problems. 

Another measure I make sure to take is timing the length of my trips to work, school, or even outings. To prevent my anxiety from creeping in while on the road about being late. By timing my drive, I feel more in control and at ease about the time I will arrive, with no need to rush through traffic lights or signs. 

I also ensure my passengers have their seatbelts on before shifting into drive. This small check-in goes a long way as it ensures the safety of my passengers. Through my persistence in wearing seatbelts, I influence my friends to adopt the same feeling of urgency to wear seatbelts and have their full attention on the road. 

All in all, expanding one’s knowledge about driving circumstances proves to be beneficial in the long run. Driver education helps strengthen skills on the road and enhances confidence when driving, preventing insecurities and unsureness in difficult driving circumstances. Losing one moment to ensure your driving circumstances is better than losing your life in a minute.