Cars are Not Toys

I can always remember hearing my grandmother’s refrain echo every time we witnessed someone speeding by “Cars are not toys.”, and as a young girl, I dismissed it as mere dramatics. I assumed everyone knew cars weren’t toys, so why the constant reminder? It wasn’t until I matured that I realized her repetition stemmed from people neglecting the gravity that cars aren’t toys, and a split second can alter lives. The emphasis on safe driving, though crucial, is often taken for granted. Despite its paramount importance, many drive are oblivious to the existence of accidents. My personal epiphany struck while witnessing the aftermath of a reckless incident, revealing the inadequate stress on safe driving. It is here where I made a promise to always be an advocate for safe driving.

Every summer, our family cherishes the tradition of embarking on a road trip to Florida, surrounded by radiant skies and the unbreakable bonds of family. Yet, amidst these joyful excursions, one summer left an indelible mark on my perception of reckless driving. Although aware of my aunt’s three sons, I only encountered two, the third’s presence erased from my mind due to me never encountering him. My grandmother made me aware that this was because of a tragic accident and he was ashamed of his presence but I always brushed it to the side. Amidst the somber gathering after my uncle’s passing, this one summer in Florida , I sat on the cloth-covered couch, seeing my aunt’s third son for the first time. Though taught that staring was impolite, my eyes involuntarily lingered on him, a vivid portrayal of the toll his actions had taken on him, recklessly driving. Reckless driving had caused him to have a voice that was punctured, and reminiscent of an infant learning to speak, adding a poignant layer to the moment. Like a sore thumb, he stood out amidst the grieving family. I soon after learned that his reckless speed in the rain led to a harrowing collision with a pole, rendering him on life support. My sympathy arose, fueled by the belief that had he been enlightened about the significance of driving with caution, his trajectory might have been altered. Imagining the influence of a guiding figure, perhaps a grandmother, like I had, emphasizing the seriousness of treating cars as more than toys, underscores the potential for a different, safer life.

The weight of regret presses heavily upon me as I reflect on the missed opportunity to impart the critical message about responsible driving to him. I know that I was way too young to provide him with the vital information of driving safely, but regret still seems to remain.The consequences of my cousin’s actions, evident in his altered state, underscore the gravity of safe driving. I find myself choked with remorse, wishing I had emphasized the importance of caution behind the wheel. It serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact one’s driving choices can have. This personal experience propels me to advocate fervently among my peers for safe driving practices, urging them to consider the potential life-altering repercussions of their actions on the road.

Driver education stands as a crucial linchpin in mitigating the alarming toll of driving-related deaths. Having witnessed my cousin’s tragic accident, I passionately advocate for the significance of robust driver education to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness among learners. To tangibly reduce the number of deaths linked to driving, implementing stringent licensing procedures and ongoing education is vital. Additionally, community awareness campaigns and peer-to-peer initiatives can reinforce the message, fostering a collective commitment to making roads safer for everyone.

Haunted by the anguish of witnessing my cousin’s suffering due to reckless driving, I’ve become acutely aware of the imperative to be a better and safer driver. The sorrowful echoes of his ordeal compel me to take deliberate steps towards responsible practices behind the wheel. To enhance my own driving, I commit to adhering rigorously to speed limits, avoiding distractions, and staying vigilant in adverse weather conditions. As a student who has seen the devastating consequences, I also feel a profound responsibility to influence my peers positively. Sharing my cousin’s story, I aim to evoke empathy and instill a collective commitment to safe driving among fellow students. Through poignant narratives and genuine concern, I aspire to foster a community dedicated to preventing the heart-wrenching aftermath of reckless behavior on the road, because cars are not toys.