Staying Safe on the Roads

Growing up, I always heard about the dangers of driving—stories about tragic accidents and moments of carelessness that led to life-changing consequences. But it wasn’t until I got my driver’s license that the responsibility of being behind the wheel really hit me. I’m a teenage driver who’s never been in an accident or received a ticket, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t witnessed the risks that come with driving. As a runner who spends hours on narrow country roads with almost no shoulder, I experience the reality of road safety every single day.

Before I started driving, I thought driver education was just a necessary step to get my license. Sitting through lessons about road signs and practicing turns felt routine, even boring at times. But as I began to spend more time running on these roads, I quickly realized that driver education isn’t just about learning how to pass a test. It’s about understanding the responsibility you have for your own life and the lives of others.

When you’re running on a country road with barely any space between you and the cars whizzing by, you become hyper-aware of how much you depend on drivers being alert and cautious. A driver who’s distracted by a phone or messing with the radio can easily drift over the line, putting a runner like me in serious danger. It only takes a split second of inattention for something irreversible to happen. My experience on the road has shown me that what you learn in driver education isn’t just knowledge—it’s a set of tools that can help prevent accidents and save lives.

These experiences have made me a more careful driver myself. I never touch my phone when I’m driving, and I keep my eyes scanning the road, especially in areas where I know runners or cyclists might be present. It’s scary to think that a moment of distraction could easily be the reason someone doesn’t make it home that day.

Running has taught me a lot about staying safe on the roads, both as a pedestrian and a driver. When I’m out on a long run, I’ve learned to listen carefully for the sound of approaching cars and make sure I’m as visible as possible, even if that means wearing bright colors or running during daylight hours. But no matter how cautious I am, my safety ultimately depends on drivers paying attention.

This realization has made me very aware of my own actions when I’m the one behind the wheel. I think about the runners and cyclists I might encounter, people just like me who are out enjoying their time on the road. I know how nerve-wracking it can be to see a car coming toward you, unsure if the driver sees you. So, I make it a point to slow down, give them space, and make eye contact whenever possible to let them know I see them.

As a young driver, I know that I’m still building my habits and routines behind the wheel. I’ve decided to take steps to make sure those habits are good ones. I’ve also made it a personal mission to speak up when I’m in the car with friends and notice unsafe behavior. It’s not always easy or comfortable to call someone out, especially when they’re your friends, but I think about how I would feel if that moment of silence led to something terrible happening. I’d rather deal with a little awkwardness than risk a real accident.

Beyond that, I want to be an advocate for safer roads. In my area, there aren’t many sidewalks or safe running paths, and it’s a constant worry every time I head out for a run. I think there’s a lot of room for improvement, whether it’s adding more pedestrian paths or implementing speed bumps in areas where runners and cyclists are common. It’s something I plan to get involved with in my community because I’ve seen the dangers up close, and I believe changes like these can make a big difference.

Through my experiences, I’ve learned that road safety is a shared responsibility. It takes all of us, drivers and pedestrians alike, to look out for each other and make smart choices. I’m committed to being a part of that solution, and I hope to inspire others to do the same. Because at the end of the day, the choices we make behind the wheel can mean the difference between life and death—for ourselves, and for everyone around us.