From Tragedy to Advocacy: A Personal Journey of Road Safety Awareness

Driver education plays a critical role in reducing fatalities caused by driving-related incidents by equipping individuals with essential knowledge and skills for safe driving practices. These programs cover a broad spectrum, from understanding traffic laws to defensive driving techniques and handling emergencies. By instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness early on, driver education aims to prevent accidents and promote safe behavior on the roads.

To further decrease fatalities, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Firstly, enhancing driver training programs to include more practical, hands-on experience in various driving conditions is crucial. This practical training helps new drivers develop confidence and competence in real-world driving scenarios, improving their ability to react effectively and safely. Promoting and enforcing safe driving habits is equally vital. Educating drivers about seat belt use, speed limits, and maintaining safe distances can significantly reduce accident risks. Strengthening enforcement of laws against drunk and distracted driving also plays a pivotal role in discouraging risky behaviors and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Improving infrastructure is essential for creating safer road environments. Upgrading road designs, implementing adequate signage and lighting, and enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety measures contribute to reducing accidents and enhancing overall road safety. By integrating these strategies, society can work towards significantly reducing driving-related fatalities, thus creating safer roads and communities for everyone.

During my sophomore year in high school, on May 24, 2021, around 12:30 PM, I experienced a serious car accident. I would carpool home with my friend Sarah; my mom would drop us off at school, and Sarah’s mom, Jennifer, would pick us up and take us home. While in the farthest right lane, attempting to exit the 15 freeway on Base Line Road, our car was rear-ended by a semi-truck, specifically one hauling cement.

I remember the accident so clearly. The drive home usually took us 20-50 minutes due to traffic. Once in the car from school, Jennifer had told Sarah and me about her recent purchase of two tickets to her favorite artist P!nk’s concert that she would be attending later that year with one of her best friends. The entire car ride home, we listened to P!nk’s music. Moments before the accident, I was taking selfies in the backseat to send to my friends on Snapchat, as any 15-year-old would normally do, when Jennifer began screaming in anticipation of the semi-truck hitting our car. Sarah and I both assumed she was screaming because a new P!nk song had begun to play, and we thought she was showing her enthusiasm. Seconds later, our car was rammed by the cement truck. Immediately after the hit, I remember touching below my right eyebrow because I thought water had gotten on me, only to quickly find out I had an abrasion and was touching blood.

I began looking for my phone to call my mom, which had flown out of my hand, not noticing the pain in my head, neck, or back. Due to the impact, the semi-truck also caused us to rear-end a sedan in front of us. Fortunately, everyone involved was alive. After finding my phone and calling my mom in a panic, she arrived at the scene briefly. I was diagnosed with a severe concussion and had multiple X-rays and MRIs taken, where they discovered I had four herniated discs throughout my spine, which would later cause me to give up many of my favorite activities. Months of recovery went by, and during those months, I sent up many prayers to God and was able to build our relationship.

On October 17th, 2023, I decided to skip small group to go get pizookies with one of my friends and later attend my sorority’s event held at one of the houses on PCH. After getting pizookies and heading over to meet with my sorority sisters, I received a call from one of my friends who was at another house on PCH. When I answered, his voice sounded panicked as he asked if I was okay. Confused, I reassured him I was fine, and he sounded relieved. Later, he explained that a fatal accident had occurred on PCH. At the time, not much information was released besides the accident involving four of my sorority sisters and one confirmed death.

That night, four seniors from my sorority were walking along PCH to our event when a 22-year-old male struck them, resulting in their tragic deaths. In memory of Asha, Deslyn, Niamh, and Peyton, Alpha Phi has fundraised and advocated for enforcing speed limits to reduce fatalities on PCH. Since my own accident involving a semi-truck, I’ve become extremely vigilant against distracted driving. When I’m a passenger and notice distracted driving, I remind the driver to focus on the road. The accident involving my sorority sisters has made me exceptionally cautious about speed, and I use my social media platforms to stress the importance of not speeding and its severe consequences. I am committed to raising awareness and promoting change on PCH.