When the Buzz Stops

Every morning, my mom and I would begin the day with a familiar routine. We piled into our Lexus, breakfast still warm in our hands, and set off for the 10-minute drive to school. That time in the car was valuable; it was our opportunity to talk, laugh, and prepare for the day ahead. However, there was one habit of hers that always bothered me: her frequent use of her phone while driving. Whether it was checking notifications, responding to a quick text, or scrolling through Spotify, my mom’s attention would often drift to her phone instead of the road. “Mom, that can wait,” I’d say, my voice tinged with irritation. “I’ve got it under control,” she’d respond, brushing off my concerns. But deep down, I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that one day her multitasking would catch up to us.

That day came sooner than I expected. One seemingly ordinary morning, we were stopped at a red light when her phone buzzed. She picked it up, her thumb already hovering over the screen. As the light turned green, she glanced at the road, but her attention returned to the message. “Let me see what my client responded,” she said, her tone casual. Seconds later, everything changed. The crash was deafening. A car turning in front of us swerved, but not in time to avoid a collision. The sound of shattering glass filled the air, and the force of the impact threw me forward against my seatbelt. The world seemed to spin before we came to a stop on the side of the road. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, but the image of my mom’s phone smashing to the floor amidst shards of glass never left my mind.

That moment was surely a tough wake-up call, not just for my mom but for me as well. It made me realize how easily preventable accidents like ours are and how significant driver education is in reducing the number of driving-related deaths. Driver education is more than just learning to parallel park or pass a written DDS test. It’s about building the habits and awareness needed to prioritize safety every single time we get behind the wheel. When drivers are properly educated, they develop a sense of responsibility not only for their own lives but also for those around them. For instance, learning defensive driving techniques such as anticipating the actions of others, maintaining a safe following distance, and avoiding distractions, can prevent numerous collisions. Driver education also imparts respect for the law, from adhering to speed limits to understanding the dangers of driving under the influence.

However, education does not stop with new drivers. Refresher courses for experienced drivers could help reinforce safe driving habits, especially as new technologies and distractions like smartphones become more common. By prioritizing ongoing education, we can ensure that every driver is prepared to handle the challenges of the road. Reducing driving-related deaths requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond enforcing traffic laws. Imagine if cars came equipped with a “focus mode,” like the “Do Not Disturb” feature on our phones. This setting could temporarily block non-essential notifications and disable texting while the car is in motion. For passengers, a shared playlist or hands-free communication system could reduce the urge to utilize devices while driving. Young drivers, respond well to rewards and challenges. An app could track safe driving habits, such as maintaining speed limits, avoiding sudden braking, or staying off the phone, and reward users with points redeemable for discounts on gas or insurance. Furthermore, families could create a shared commitment to safe driving practices, with consequences for anyone caught breaking the rules.

After the accident, I knew I needed to act, not just for myself, but for everyone I care about. I’ve made a personal commitment to never use my phone while driving. Before I even start the car, I now place my phone in the glove compartment, where it’s out of reach but accessible if needed once the car is parked. I’ve also taken a positive approach with my family and friends. With my mom, I’ve introduced small but impactful changes, like setting her phone to “Do Not Disturb” during our drives. I’ve even created a routine of syncing a playlist before we start so there’s no temptation to scroll through music apps while driving. For my friends, I’ve started conversations about the risks of distracted driving, and we’ve agreed to hold each other accountable. I’ve realized that even small steps, like spreading awareness through social media, can contribute to a culture of safer driving.

Being a safer driver is not just about protecting oneself; it’s about protecting everyone who shares the road. It’s about understanding that every choice, whether to check a text, speed through a yellow light, or roll through a stop sign, has the potential to impact lives. From now on, the only thing buzzing during the rides my mom and I take together is our conversations. Driver education, combined with personal accountability and innovative safety measures, can make the roads safer for everyone. For me, that lesson came with a moment of fear and shattered glass. But for others, I hope it comes from stories like mine: a reminder that one second of distraction is never worth the risk.