The Road to Responsibility

Every teenager’s favorite day is when they get freedom—their driver’s license. I on the other hand was terrified. In February of 2022, we were rear-ended. Sitting in the passenger side of my mom’s 2019 van at 7 pm. Ambulance and police arrive on the scene of the accident. My mom nervously struttered while speaking to the policeman and the man who hit us profusely apologizing. A week later we both went to court to seek fair compensation for the damages to our car. We were told this was an insurance problem. This may have been somewhat correct, but how is it fair this man was able to walk away facing no suspension for the accident he caused?

In the Summer of Junior year, I finally worked up the courage to get my driver’s license. I loved it. I was able to go to soccer practice, shopping, and the gym whenever I wanted. I was lucky to have a car with a screen that had Apple Car play along with voice commands. Having a screen helped with directions as I wouldn’t have to look down at my lap staring at my phone to see where I’d have to turn. But there was still a fear of others’ reckless driving, which kept scaring me.

Additionally, many drivers have road rage. According to reports in 2023 66% of traffic fatalities were caused by aggressive driving. Aggressive driving or “road rage” is usually a negative behavior for multiple reasons. For example, running late, drunk driving, and bad mental health lead to poor decisions. When I first got my license the scariest thing for me was taking a right turn on a red light. I had to time my turn correctly so I wouldn’t hit anyone. And if I took too long the person behind me would give me the finger or continuously honk at me till I turned. This act can lead both drivers to make impulsive decisions that may hurt someone. To eliminate aggressive drivers, when someone is getting their driver’s license or renewing their license their mental health should also be assessed.

Many fatal accidents occur from speeding and driving under the influence. Somehow it’s become cool to drive 80 mph, tailgate, and drive while being high or drunk. To improve this public awareness can inform drivers that adhering to speed limits reduces dangers for both themselves and those around them. Mandatory training should occur a minimum 1 time a year to refresh traffic laws, road signs, and what to do when complicated situations arise. To continue I believe schools that teach driver education should take importance to speeding fatalities along with substance abuse to educate these young drivers on the importance of safe driving.

It’s not entirely fair to say all accidents are caused by speeding, driving under the influence, or irresponsible drivers. They can be caused by road design, for example, potholes insufficient lighting, and dangerous intersections. Potholes have led to damage to tires along with losing control of the entire vehicle. Roads that have poor lighting will reduce visibility making it difficult for drivers to see clearly. I live in a neighborhood that doesn’t have street lighting, along with that many animals. Driving home at night is always alarming, not knowing what may pop up. My neighbor Zoya was like a big sister to me. One night she was driving home since there were no street lights she turned on her high-beam lights. As she’s driving a deer comes out from the trees and stops right in the middle of the road. Not able to swerve away she collides with the deer. She sustained a concussion along with a fractured wrist. Our local town members came together to inform the local town governor to install street lights. If street lights were already there Zoya could’ve seen the deer and could’ve slowed down, preventing injuries to herself. All roads should have constant lights and a resourceful way is for them to be solar paneled. Along with that road conditions should improve, and potholes should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further conditions from being worse.

To strengthen my road and driving safety, I thoroughly study all aspects of operating a vehicle. This includes everything from changing a tire to holding myself accountable for maintaining both my vehicle and driving behavior. I regularly review traffic laws and practice driving to ensure that I can avoid causing harm to others. Driving isn’t all fun; it’s a privilege that comes with responsibility. Much of my worries came from the lack of knowledge of driving a car. For instance, I once struggled to understand various dashboard indicators when starting a car. Every driver must acquire strong operational skills, including the ability to navigate construction zones, handle emergencies, and understand driving laws