The Beginning of a Lifesaving Journey

When I first sat in the driver’s seat, I felt invincible. The learner’s driver’s license tucked into my wallet, and the reassuring presence of my dad next to me filled me with confidence. However, that confidence did not last long. Two months later, a close friend of mine caused a car accident that resulted in the total loss of the vehicle after falling asleep at the wheel. That incident completely shook up my way of thinking. It was then that I realized that driving is not just a simple skill, but a grave responsibility that is directly linked to life and death.

Driving education goes beyond teaching driving skills; it helps drivers recognize the weight of their responsibilities. People who take the wheel without proper education are easily distracted, checking their text messages or changing the music, which can lead to danger. However, true driving education creates habits that go beyond rules. I also learned more than parallel parking in my driving lessons; I learned about real traffic accidents and their consequences, and that I need to make careful judgments every moment. Through this education, drivers can develop a sense of alertness and predictive ability that goes beyond compliance with rules.

However, simply providing education is not enough to prevent all the fatal accidents on the road. Our society needs to come up with broader solutions. First, we need to strictly regulate distracting behaviors such as text messaging. I have often seen friends checking their phones for a moment at a stop sign, and I have realized how dangerous that moment can be. Simply imposing fines is not enough. Emotional campaigns such as public service announcements featuring the voices of families who have lost loved ones to accidents can bring about more change.

Technology also plays a crucial role. Features such as collision avoidance systems and lane departure warnings should not be limited to luxury vehicles but should be standard options in all vehicles. Regular vision tests and reaction tests for older drivers can also be preventive measures, as driving abilities naturally decline with age.

On a rainy night, I experienced danger on my way home from choir practice with my mom. I was tempted to force my way through a yellow light to get home quickly, but my mom next to me said, “Go slowly. Don’t rush.” Slowing down when I heard her, a vehicle that ignored the signal in the opposite direction passed through the intersection quickly. If I had sped up, we would have been unable to avoid a major accident. That incident engraved the importance of patience and caution in my bones. Simply following rules is not enough. Driving that anticipates and prepares for others’ mistakes is true safe driving.

Before getting my license in earnest, I set some personal rules for myself. The first is that I will never touch my phone while driving, I will obey the speed limits, and I will avoid making hasty judgments. I will keep in mind that even if I arrive late, arriving safely is important. I have also decided not to remain silent when I see my friends exhibiting dangerous driving habits. When I see them not wearing seatbelts or texting while driving, I will speak up to them. It may be uncomfortable to advise a friend, but it is much better than regretting an accident afterward.

In the future, I plan to participate as a volunteer in local community driving education programs to share my experiences. I believe that my personal story can deliver a more powerful message than words in textbooks. If someone listens to my story and hesitates even for a moment in a dangerous situation, I think it is worth it.

Driving is not merely a means to reach a destination. It is a commitment to ensuring the safety of all who share the road, and a responsibility to prepare for unpredictable situations. Driving education is a tool that imprints this commitment and responsibility. Through my experiences, I have learned that driving is not sufficient with just one’s skills. A driver must take responsibility not only for their own safety but also for the safety of everyone on the road.

Only when we all share this responsibility and strive for each other’s safety will the road become a safe space. From the moment we sit in the driver’s seat, we become not just drivers, but guardians of life.