From Flames to Awarness

Driving has always been somewhat of a hate and love relationship for me, shaped by years of experience with the constant fear of car breakdowns and uncertain road risks. As a child moving from Kuwait to the United States and then to Sweden with the unchanging struggles with our unreliable car were a daily reminder of how crucial road safety and driver education are. The car, often on the brink of falling apart, was our lifeline carrying us from school to home despite its frequent malfunctions or as I like to call it “on the verge of taking its last breath”.

One particular day stands out clearly in my memory. The sun was blazing, and the heat was so intense that the car’s engine began to overheat. The familiar scent of burnt gasoline filled the air, a smell that became an unforgettable signal of trouble. I remember trying to alert my mother, but she, focused profusely on the road as one should, did not realize the severity of the situation nor notice until thick black smoke began to show from the engine.

Despite her usual struggle to manage under pressure or being a well skilled driver, my mother made a decision that day that saved our lives. Intentions to minimize the risk in mind, she chose to drive the car to the nearest fire department. It was a desperate attempt to bring the danger to those who could help us quickly. The drive, though only a few minutes long, felt like an eternity. Each second was fraught with the fear of what might happen next. When we arrived, the car was engulfed in flames within moments. The firefighters, with their alarms blaring and urgency evident, quickly extinguished the fire and even gave us a ride home in their truck. That day, the blend of fear, relief, and the surreal nature of the experience felt like living in a fever dream. It left a lasting impact on the little 10 year old me, shaping my deep-seated fear of driving and mistrust of others behind the wheel.

This traumatic incident has left a lasting impact on me. At 19, I still haven’t obtained my driver’s license, and my reluctance to drive or trust others behind the wheel often comes across as overly sensitive to those around me. However, I believe that day significantly shaped my perspective on driving and safety. The experience highlighting the urgent need for better safety measures and driver education.

Driver education is more than just teaching the mechanics of driving; it is about preparing individuals to handle the unpredictable and often dangerous realities of the road. Comprehensive driver training equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to handle real-world driving challenges, from managing distractions to responding effectively in emergencies. It is essential for reducing the number of accidents and fatalities on the road.

To reduce driving-related deaths, we must take a so-called well rounded approach. Enforcing traffic laws like speed limits and cracking down on distracted driving are important, but laws alone can’t solve everything. What we really need is to make road safety a shared responsibility, one that goes beyond the rules and becomes part of our everyday thinking. Public education campaigns that are more engaging and relatable like using real stories of those affected by accidents could stick with people in a more meaningful way. Beyond just awareness, it’s about getting drivers to see the person behind the wheel of the car next to them, and recognize that their actions have real, immediate consequences for others.

Another key part of this is updating how we train drivers. Teaching isn’t just about how to pass a driving test, but about preparing people for the unexpected like the moments when something goes wrong, like it did for my family. Including more real-life emergency training in driver education could help people stay calm and make smarter decisions under pressure. Lastly, car technology is advancing every day, and things like automatic braking or lane keeping assist can help, but only if people know how to use them properly. Making sure drivers are educated on these systems can make a big difference in preventing accidents

Looking back on my experiences, it’s clear that they’ve deeply shaped how I see road safety. The fear and uncertainty I felt growing up, with each car ride a gamble, stays with me. That one day when our car caught fire showed me how quickly things can spiral out of control, and it’s something I carry with me. It’s made me determined to make sure others don’t have to live with that same fear. Driver education should be more than just learning how to pass a test, it’s about making sure every driver has the tools and the mindset to keep themselves and others safe. Whether it’s through teaching people how to handle emergencies or encouraging a culture of accountability, I believe that by sharing these lessons, we can make every journey a little safer. By staying committed to learning, following safety guidelines, and advocating for smarter driving practices, we can take steps toward a future where those fears and tragedies become far less common and one where I can courageously myself sit behind the wheel.