From Loss to Awareness

Driver education plays a crucial role in reducing the number of deaths on the road. Yet, it is often overlooked or undervalued. I believe defensive driving should be taught to all new drivers, and it should be mandatory for people to retake driving tests as they age or if they are on medication that affects their ability to drive. More importantly, driver education needs to address the growing issue of distracted driving, as this is one of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities.

When I was just five years old, my life and my family’s life changed in an instant. My older brother, who had always been a role model and an athlete, lost everything because of a distracted truck driver. The truck ran over him, leaving him with half of his body paralyzed. He lost his college scholarship, his chance to play the sport he loved, and most heartbreakingly, we were no longer able to play together. We used to play sports together, laugh together, and live carefree, but that was no longer possible. The accident took that away from me, and I often find myself wishing I could go back to those days, to the brother I had before the accident.

The truck driver wasn’t texting or using a phone, but was distracted in some other way. That moment of inattention caused my brother’s life to change forever, and it’s a stark reminder of just how dangerous distractions can be while driving. Too many people think that accidents only happen to “other people,” but the reality is that anyone can be affected. For teens and young adults, whose brains are still developing, the consequences of distracted driving don’t seem as real. They often feel invincible, and they don’t realize that their actions could cost someone their life. Driver education needs to teach these young drivers not only the rules of the road but also the emotional and physical toll that a single moment of inattention can cause. My brother’s accident is a painful example of how easily lives can be shattered.

When I was in high school, I received my driver’s license at 16. My state didn’t require a driver education course to get a license, which I find alarming. There was no formal education about defensive driving or the serious risks of distracted driving. I think this needs to change. Driver education should be mandatory for everyone, not just young drivers. Learning how to be a defensive driver, anticipating the mistakes of others, could save countless lives. The idea of just teaching someone how to operate a vehicle is not enough. Drivers need to understand the responsibility that comes with having the power to control a car. Too many people take this responsibility for granted and drive recklessly, thinking they can get away with it.

Defensive driving isn’t just about reacting to others—it’s about being proactive, about being alert, and about avoiding accidents before they happen. I’ve seen firsthand how a split-second decision can change everything. Since my brother’s accident, I’ve made it a point to be an extremely defensive driver. I avoid distractions, keep my phone on “Do Not Disturb,” and I never drive in a rush. Speeding might save a few minutes, but it’s not worth risking your life or someone else’s. I’ve managed to avoid major accidents by staying calm and always being aware of my surroundings. I’ve learned that being cautious on the road is the best way to protect myself and others.

But defensive driving is not just about us. It’s about ensuring that everyone on the road is safe. Driver education should emphasize how we are all responsible for the safety of those around us. When drivers are distracted, speeding, or simply not paying attention, they put everyone at risk. These accidents don’t just affect the people involved—they ripple through families and communities. My family knows this all too well. We’ve spent years watching my brother struggle to adapt to his new life, and it’s something I will never forget. It has made me more aware of how dangerous driving can be when we don’t take it seriously.

I believe that if more people understood the emotional and physical consequences of accidents, we might see a shift in the way people approach driving. If young people could see the pain caused by a distracted driver, they might think twice before picking up their phone or losing focus behind the wheel. We can’t afford to keep treating driving as a trivial part of life. We need to educate people about the real risks involved, especially as more and more people become distracted by their phones and other devices while driving.

In conclusion, driver education needs to be more than just a class to get a license—it should be a life-saving course that teaches us all to be responsible, defensive drivers. We need to make defensive driving mandatory and educate people on the devastating consequences of distractions behind the wheel. My brother’s life was changed forever because of a distracted driver, and I’m determined to make sure no one else has to go through what we did. If we take driving seriously, we can save lives and prevent unnecessary accidents. By being more responsible on the road, we can make sure that the tragedy my family faced doesn’t have to be repeated.