Sober Driver

My life changed the summer of 2018 by one phone call. A close cousin of mine, that was just one year older than me, had been in a car accident. It was a shocking and surreal moment; I had literally seen him just a few days earlier, and we were all laughing and full of life. But reality had settled in: Jake was a victim of reckless driving.

A few weeks after the incident, I started to reflect more on life. Jake’s story highlighted the importance of being responsible behind the wheel. Till this day, I often think about the impact of his choices—not just on himself but on all of us who loved him. 

I decided to take actions, to honor Jake’s memory. I have volunteered with local organizations that focus on roadside safety education. I believe it is important of me to share Jake’s story to help others understand how severe reckless driving can be. I have found many workshops and school programs in Atlanta that offer a lot of information on safe driving that I spread awareness to college students.

Driving is an essential part of modern life. However, it also comes with meaningful responsibilities. As road users, I prioritize safety—not only for myself but also for others driving around me or with me. There are several steps I follow to become a better and safer driver for my community, as well as ways to encourage my family and friends on their driving habits.

The first step I take towards staying a safe driver is my commitment to continuous learning. Traffic laws can change over the course of years in many states, and new driving techniques are developed regularly especially driving in Atlanta’s rush hours. The defensive driving courses I participated has enhance my driving skills and makes me aware of potential hazards. These courses have provided valuable information about managing distractions, understanding the dynamics of weather conditions, and recognizing the behavior of other drivers who may engage in road rage. With me keeping up with local laws and regulations, it ensures that I always am aware of the rules of the road, which is crucial for safe driving.

While driving on the road, it is important for me to be proactive then reactive. I am attentive to the action of others, that way I will be prepared to respond appropriately. Some examples of defensive driving consist of: maintaining a safe following distance, avoid tailgating, and being aware of blind spots. It is important to always check the rear view and side mirrors frequently and stay alert to changes in traffic conditions.  These few examples listed above can significantly reduce the risk of accidents whether big or small.

Text messaging and social media are the top leading cause of accidents. To be a safe driver, it is crucial to minimize any distractions inside the vehicle. A couple of examples are avoiding the use of mobile phones for texting, calling, or being on social media while driving, this excludes using maps. I like to set my GPS and adjust music before I begin driving which allows me to respond more effectively to potential hazards like potholes or hidden pedestrians.

I believe wearing a seatbelt in the car is one of the simplest and safest way to enhance safety. Before taking off, I ensure that everybody in my vehicle has their seatbelt on no matter whether they’re in the front or back of the car.

In the event of an accident, this will prevent any passenger from flying out the windshield or causing serious body damage. When my friends and family see me practice safe driving, this will influence them to pick up on this good habit.

Not only is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs bad, but it is also a serious offense and a major threat to road safety.  There is a high correlation of college students drinking and driving during homecoming weekend. To plan accordingly for a fun night that may include alcohol consumption, I always suggest to friends on either carpooling (having designated driver) or taking Uber/Lyft. This allows me to make responsible choices and are able to set an example for others and contribute to making the roads safer.

I believe as a responsible driver, I have the power to influence those around me, such as friends and younger siblings. I strive to set a good example for my friends and family to adopt safe driving practices. TikTok, YouTube, and Google are great resources that can express the importance of road safety. I always hold my friends accountable when it comes to safe driving, and I would want them to do the same for me.

It is a big commitment to staying a better and safer driver. Engaging in ongoing education, enhancing defensive driving, limiting distractions, ensuring the safety of all passengers, and encouraging safe driving habits with peers, we can make a difference to a culture of safety on the road for the upcoming generation. Ultimately, with everybody playing a role in safety driving, this will make our roads a better place for all users.