In the Driver’s Seat

I remember the sheer horror I felt that Thanksgiving night two years ago. An Instagram post from my volleyball club caught my attention. The picture of a father and daughter struck me immediately. But as I read the caption beneath the image, disbelief overwhelmed me.

“Our club family suffered a tremendous loss of two amazing people today…”

My body grew numb as the post revealed the unthinkable: Chris and Alivia were gone. Mom grabbed her phone, desperate to call Jennifer, the wife and mother of those lost. “I just spoke to Jennifer yesterday!” she cried. But after a few moments, the unimaginable became undeniable.

On a clear, sunny morning, the Mynes family set out for Tennessee to visit friends, as they had done every Thanksgiving for years. Tragically, their journey was cut short when their car collided head-on with a pickup truck, fatally altering their family forever.

Questions lingered about the cause of the accident. The pickup truck veered into the opposite lane, but why? Was the driver distracted? Had he fallen asleep? Whatever the reason, two beloved members of our community were gone. Reading the startling statistics comparing motor vehicle crash deaths to deaths in war, I realized how common such tragedies are. Thousands of families experience this heartbreak every year. Something must change.

Driver education is a critical first step toward reducing road fatalities. It equips individuals with essential skills, knowledge, and attitudes for safe driving. A proper education goes beyond teaching technical abilities like steering or braking. It emphasizes road rules, situational awareness, and defensive driving techniques. Drivers trained in defensive driving are better prepared to anticipate hazards, avoid collisions, and make sound decisions under pressure.

Unfortunately, driver education is no longer as accessible as it once was. When my parents were in high school, Driver’s Ed was a required course included in their curriculum at no additional cost. Today, driver education is optional in most states and often comes at a steep price—up to $500 in some cases. This financial barrier prevents many young people from obtaining formal training.

Thankfully, I was able to participate in a driver education course through a voucher program, and the experience was invaluable. However, my younger brother wasn’t as fortunate. While our dad did his best to teach him to drive, the absence of standardized education meant he missed out on critical lessons. This disparity highlights the need for accessible and affordable driver education for all.

While driver education is foundational, reducing vehicle-related deaths requires a comprehensive approach involving policy, infrastructure, technology, and community engagement.

Stricter Traffic Laws and Enforcement
Governments must enforce stricter traffic regulations to deter reckless behavior. Zero-tolerance policies for impaired driving, increased fines for speeding, and mandatory seatbelt use can save lives. The deployment of traffic officers and automated enforcement tools, such as speed cameras, ensures consistent enforcement.

Improved Road Infrastructure
Road design plays a crucial role in preventing accidents. Safer roads can be achieved through better lighting, clear signage, and dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians. High-risk areas, such as intersections, could benefit from roundabouts, speed bumps, or traffic signals to reduce collision risks.

Advancing Vehicle Safety Technology
Features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control can significantly reduce accidents caused by human error. Incentives for purchasing vehicles equipped with these safety features could encourage wider adoption.

Encouraging Public Transportation
Fewer vehicles on the road mean fewer opportunities for accidents. Governments should invest in reliable, affordable, and efficient public transportation systems to encourage their use.

Every driver has a role to play in making roads safer. Personal accountability begins with practicing safe driving habits:

Avoid Distractions: Stay focused by putting away your phone, avoiding eating, and resisting other distractions while driving.

Follow Traffic Laws: Adhering to speed limits, stop signs, and other rules promotes order and reduces risks.

Be Courteous: Treat other drivers with respect and patience, remembering that lives are at stake.

Lead by Example: Encourage family, friends, and peers to adopt safer habits. Sharing personal stories, like the loss of the Mynes family, can amplify the message of road safety.

Reducing motor vehicle crash fatalities requires a holistic approach. Driver education is a vital cornerstone, shaping responsible, skilled, and alert drivers. However, it must be complemented by stricter laws, improved infrastructure, advanced vehicle technology, and widespread awareness campaigns.

As a college student away from home, my parents rely on me to drive responsibly. This is a responsibility I take seriously and will carry throughout my life. The loss of Chris and Alivia is a painful reminder of the importance of road safety, and it inspires me to advocate for change.

Thank you, National Driving and Traffic School, for this scholarship opportunity and for bringing attention to this critical issue. By working together, we can save lives and prevent others from enduring the heartbreak of losing loved ones to motor vehicle crashes.