Reality of the Road

At age 14, I developed a deep admiration for cars—the thrill of speed and the sense of freedom they offer to travel wherever one pleases. The allure of the open road, the excitement of going fast, and the independence that comes with driving captivated me. When I turned 15, passing my driver’s permit became my top priority. I was eager to experience the exhilaration I’d observed in adults and in movies like Fast & Furious. By 16, I practiced driving with my dad every night after he returned from work, determined to hone my skills in preparation for the driver’s test. However, I often found myself mentally foggy during these sessions. This cloudiness made it difficult to focus, and I felt my confidence waning with each practice. My dad, noticing my struggles, grew increasingly frustrated, fearing that our efforts were wasted when I couldn’t retain the knowledge necessary for safe driving. Despite the discouragement, I was resolute. I scheduled my test as soon as I could, pushing myself to improve in that short time frame. After two months of practice, I took my driver’s test. My heart raced as I maneuvered through the course, and though I missed two turns, I managed to pass. Elated, I felt an overwhelming sense of freedom as I drove nonstop across Oregon, reveling in the joy of newfound independence. I was blissfully unaware of the rising costs of gas and insurance, feeling unstoppable.

However, my sense of invincibility was short-lived. Just three months after getting a new car, an elderly woman backed into me at a gas station, shattering my carefree driving experience. This was my first encounter with filing an insurance claim to repair damage to my vehicle. I quickly learned that the excitement of driving came with responsibilities I hadn’t anticipated. Fast forward to the fall of my senior year in high school. I was juggling part-time work at a retail store with my studies, striving to balance my time while saving for college. One Sunday night, I was driving home with a friend after a shift. We had stopped at a red light, enjoying the music, when suddenly I heard a loud boom. The impact thrust me back in my seat, and for a moment, I was confused, thinking my car had malfunctioned. It wasn’t until I glanced in the rearview mirror that I saw a disoriented woman in an SUV behind us. My friend jumped out to call 911 while I approached the woman to get her insurance information. Instead of cooperating, she rolled up her window, staring blankly at her phone, seemingly unfazed by the chaos she had caused. As we noted her license plate number, she stumbled out of her car, furious, and accused us of lacking a driver’s license or license plate, believing this would absolve her of responsibility. Repeating, “I have to go,” she hurried back to her vehicle and drove off just as the police and ambulance arrived. In the aftermath, the police assessed our health, while other officers pursued the fleeing driver. I was left with lingering confusion and frustration. I ended up with multiple chiropractic appointments to document my injuries, which led to missed school days. Veronica Alonso, the driver, was later charged with DUI and hit-and-run, but the ordeal had already taken a toll on my life. This incident delayed my studies and resulted in lost wages, ultimately leading to my layoff from work. For a month, I refrained from driving, and my grades suffered significantly. This was not my first brush with accidents; at 14, I had been in the backseat when my sister rear-ended another car, totaling our vehicle. That winter, my car was broken into, and the damage exceeded the cost of the repairs from the earlier accident. Fast forward to after graduating high school, and my parked car was again hit, this time causing damage to both right-side doors. We had to cover the costly repairs out of pocket, as my insurance rates had already skyrocketed due to previous incidents.

In total, I became a victim of four accidents. Each experience taught me valuable lessons about the realities of driving. Through these unfortunate and costly incidents, I learned that driving must be taken seriously, regardless of age. Whether for teens or adults, driver’s education is vital for ensuring safety on the road. I realized that while I can control my own driving habits, I cannot control the actions of others.Although some believe that smart and careful driving can prevent accidents, my experiences prove otherwise. Accidents can happen to anyone, and they often occur despite our best efforts. We need greater education on the dangers posed by motor vehicles and the financial responsibilities that accompany them. Driving is not just about the thrill of the road; it’s about understanding the implications and consequences that come with it. In reflecting on my journey, I understand that the lessons I’ve learned will stay with me for life. While I still love cars and the freedom they represent, I approach driving with a newfound respect and caution.