From Accidents to Awareness: My Story

Driver education plays a crucial role in reducing car accidents and fatalities. As a college student who has experienced the life-changing consequences of unsafe driving, I understand just how important it is to be responsible behind the wheel. My experiences have not only shaped how I view driving but also how I approach being a safer, more mindful driver.

My first car accident happened when I was eight years old. A distracted driver rear-ended my family’s car and fled the scene in a hit-and-run. While I was too young to fully understand the implications at the time, that accident set the tone for a series of collisions that have deeply affected my life. Over the years, I’ve been involved in multiple rear-end crashes, each caused by someone else’s negligence. These accidents caused cumulative damage to my body, including severe upper cervical instability. As a result, I now live with chronic pain, blurred vision, nausea, and non-epileptic seizures.

My condition requires me to take extra measures to ensure that I am a safe driver. I am no longer able to drive without the presence of my seizure alert service dog, who warns me if a seizure is imminent. I only drive on good health days when my symptoms are stable, and I choose routes with clear visibility and plenty of places to pull over if needed. This means I am hyper-vigilant at all times while driving, constantly assessing my surroundings and my physical state to ensure the safety of myself and others.

Reflecting on these experiences, I often wonder if better driver education could have prevented the accidents I was involved in. Driver education isn’t just about passing a test or learning the rules of the road—it’s about fostering a sense of responsibility and understanding the risks that come with driving. Unfortunately, distractions have only grown in recent years. Texting while driving is now one of the most common distractions, but it’s not the only one. I’ve seen people put on makeup, eat full meals, or even play games like Pokémon Go while driving. These behaviors are shocking and dangerous, yet they highlight how easily people can forget the life-or-death responsibility that comes with being behind the wheel.

To reduce the number of driving-related deaths, we need to address both education and enforcement. Comprehensive driver education programs should teach defensive driving strategies and emphasize the real-life consequences of distracted or impaired driving. For instance, simulations showing the effects of looking away from the road for just a few seconds could make a lasting impression on new drivers.

Stricter enforcement of traffic laws is also essential. Penalties for texting and driving, speeding, and DUIs should be strong enough to deter unsafe behavior. Public awareness campaigns could help shift cultural attitudes, making distractions like texting or playing games while driving as socially unacceptable as drinking and driving.

Technology can also play a role. Features like lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, and apps that silence notifications while driving can help reduce accidents caused by distraction. However, these tools are only effective if drivers understand their limitations and don’t rely on them as a substitute for being attentive.

I’ve also witnessed unsafe driving behaviors from people close to me. One time, a friend decided to Snapchat a video while driving, focusing more on their phone than the road. Another time, I had to stop someone from driving home after they had been drinking. It was uncomfortable to confront them, but I knew it was the right thing to do. Both situations reinforced for me that being a responsible driver isn’t just about your own actions—it’s also about holding others accountable.

To be a safer driver myself, I’ve adopted a few key habits. I always put my phone on silent and out of reach before I start driving, and I never use it while I’m behind the wheel. I’ve also learned to give myself plenty of time to get where I’m going, so I’m not tempted to rush or speed. If I’m feeling tired, stressed, or distracted, I’ll wait until I’m in a better state of mind to drive or ask someone else to drive for me.

I also make an effort to model safe driving for others. Whether it’s reminding a friend to put their phone away or sharing my personal experiences, I try to encourage the people around me to take driving more seriously. For example, I’ve had conversations with peers about the risks of multitasking while driving. Most people don’t realize how dangerous it is until they’ve experienced or witnessed an accident, but I believe these discussions can make a difference before something bad happens.

Having been in multiple accidents caused by others, I understand the life-altering effects of unsafe driving. The injuries I’ve sustained have impacted my education, my daily life, and my overall well-being. But these experiences have also taught me how crucial it is to approach driving with the seriousness it deserves.

Driver education, stricter laws, and safer technology can all help reduce driving-related deaths, but individual accountability is just as important. Every driver has a responsibility to focus fully on the road and make choices that protect themselves and others. As someone who has experienced the consequences of negligence firsthand, I’m committed to being part of the solution. By sharing my story, taking precautions, and modeling safer habits, I hope to contribute to a culture where safety is a priority and lives are valued.