The Meaning Behind Every Drive

In the slip of a second, an ordinary drive can turn into a life-changing tragedy. Each year millions of lives are lost due to driving accidents. Over the years the increasing rates of deaths due to vehicle accidents have become a major concern for humanity. This is why driver education and other measures need to be considered to reduce accidents and fatalities due to vehicle crashes.

This change and the path to safer roads begin with the education drivers receive. Driver education is crucial because it is how drivers can be sure of traffic rules and other driving laws. These rules ensure that drivers drive safely without making mistakes on the road. Although some might find this obvious there have been multiple accidents due to unawareness. Any mistake in following these rules can lead to tragedy. Learning how to drive and everything needed while driving is a major way to increase road safety. In addition to knowledge, driver education also lets people be aware of their surroundings and respond to any situation. Understanding how to act in case of an accident is how drivers can save a life. Knowing that there might be unexpected accidents is crucial but being prepared on how to act in cases of despair and panic is life-changing. Education is the start of a foundation that needs to be taken seriously not only for our safety but also for other drivers.

Besides education, other steps need to be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. One of these steps is awareness in educational settings. High school students, who are future drivers, need to understand their responsibility while driving. Letting students know about the steps to driving safely, the precautions, and the consequences is a way in which we can inform and prevent future accidents. Making sure that we guide future drivers along the right path is a significant approach that should be considered. Another step that should be taken is to enforce stricter consequences for those who drive intoxicated or who break the law. Drivers who put others at risk should receive serious consequences that will guide them to better decisions and think twice about their responsibilities. It is crucial that they learn from their mistakes and change for the safety of their community.

My first experience with the dangers of intoxicated driving involved my father. In 2016 father was driving while intoxicated and was pulled over by the police. He later was arrested, fined, and kept in jail time for 3 days plus a fine. He often mentions not being able to sleep because of the constant thought of his irresponsibility. As a result of his mistake, he was monitored with a car breathalyzer for four months. Although my father did not cause an accident and was found with a low amount of alcohol in his body, his action was a clear act of negligence that could have cost someone’s life. No person who is under alcohol and drugs should drive and put other people’s lives at risk. No innocent person should suffer the consequences of an inconsiderate driver. 

Aside from my father’s experience, I have firsthand knowledge of the consequences of unskilled drivers. This event occurred when I was 12 years old, riding in the back seat with my little sister who at the moment was 9 years old. This was an ordinary day, driving by a familiar route on our way to school. My mother was driving, and I was able to see the moment when the car was about to hit our car. I can still vividly remember the feeling after the crash. The impact of the car caused me to only hear a “beep” sound in my ears and nothing else. I remember panicking and crying while at the same time trying to make sure that everyone was okay. The damage happened mainly in the driver’s seat. Although me and my sister were in a good state, my mother had damaged her left shoulder and her neck. After this accident, my mother was left with severe physical and mental trauma. She has had multiple movement difficulties due to this accident and has stopped driving. She often mentions that even if she was physically able to drive, she would not due to the fear of experiencing this event again. This accident shows the evident consequences that a family goes through because of an irresponsible driver.

The step I have taken to be a better and safer driver is to receive a driving education. For me, this is the most important step because it has guided and led me to be a safer driver. I have also decided to fix any car dysfunction or drive a different car if needed to decrease the rates of an accident. I believe that ignoring any car issue should be considered irresponsibility. No matter how small the issue is, it should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent any car malfunction on the road. Not only have I taken extra steps to prevent accidents but I have also encouraged others to do the same. I often tell my stories not only to make them notice the danger of driving intoxicated but also the consequences as well. I also mention my personal story so that people are aware of the difficulties a family and individuals go through after a car crash. I believe this is the best way in which I have made people realize that the lives of people are in danger when someone drunk is driving. I believe that this small action can change the lives of millions of drivers.