Too Fast, Too Furious

“I am so scared right now.” Those words summed up my first time on the road with my permit. Not only did the bright yellow Student Driver stickers make me feel on display, but I was also driving a manual transmission. With both hands and feet occupied, there was no room for error or distraction. My sweaty palms dampened the wheel as I stared intensely at a red light, praying for a smooth start. When the light turned green, the car stalled.

This intensely embarrassing and stressful moment eventually proved itself beneficial- yes I had a unique skill to share during icebreaker games, but more importantly, it built good habits that have transferred over into the driver I am today, leaving me accident free since I’ve had my license. The blue Volkswagen Golf R was overstimulating like the real world environment: the unknown flashing yellow arrow, an extra pedal (the clutch), and my dad yelling next to me. I couldn’t even be distracted if I wanted to. Today, distractions are everywhere in cars: touchscreens, phone mounts, and drive-thrus enabling people to eat and steer simultaneously. Additionally, the gratification of instant replies, multitasking, and information continuously takes attention away from driving, both mentally and physically. While it is impossible to eliminate all distractions, proper driver education is vital to making the roads a safer place. Defensive driving equips drivers to handle the inattentive and irresponsible behaviors of others in a calm, proactive manner. Simple habits, like periodically checking mirrors and using turn signals, not only ensure personal safety, but also awareness of the surrounding environment.

One of the most critical aspects of defensive driving is the ability to handle distracted drivers. I strongly believe that on the road, and in life we cannot control anyone else’s actions, but only our own. Many laws have been passed in my state such as required hands-free calling. In fact, even just holding a phone will result in a hefty ticket, but these laws are difficult to enforce and are oftentimes overlooked on a day-to-day basis. Defensive driving courses emphasize methods to stay focused and anticipate potentially dangerous situations. These courses teach us to be constantly aware of our surroundings while maintaining a strong focus on the road, but it’s not just other drivers we need to prepare for. Hazardous weather conditions are another leading cause of accidents. In Colorado, where sudden snowstorms can appear out of nowhere, understanding skid control and how to navigate icy roads can mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, in my state, these advanced driving lessons are optional and come with an additional cost, leaving many drivers unprepared for these conditions.

Currently, in the United States, no state has enforced legislature for requiring a defensive driving course in order to obtain a license. How could this possibly reshape the future of roads for generations to come? While this would be no easy feat, the possibility of raising the price of driving courses could prove to be beneficial for snowy weather conditions and other potentially hazardous environments.

Beyond education, I believe there’s a larger issue at play: a lack of accountability, particularly among teenage drivers. Many teens are not responsible for the financial upkeep of their cars, including gas or insurance. Growing up, many teens, including myself, glorified driving. It’s observed in our media–Fast and Furious, Grand Theft Auto, or Gru from Despicable Me–but the reality is, none of us is Dominic Torretor, nor a villain trying to steal the moon in a make-believe world. This overestimation of skills and performance often leads to reckless behavior. I have seen this issue firsthand at my school, where students repeatedly total their cars, only for their parents to buy them replacements. Teaching teens to take responsibility and embrace reality, such as requiring them to contribute to car expenses, could foster a group of more mature, cautious drivers.

As I gained experience and confidence on the road, I also recognized how emotions can influence driving. Colorado is notorious for its problematic road rage, and I have felt my own frustration bubble up at times when people run stop signs and cut in front of me. However, I realized that anger only made me a more aggressive and less focused driver. To counter this, I created an “anti-road rage” playlist filled with calmer music such as Fleetwood Mac and John Mayer. My creation has made a noticeable difference during stressful commutes, and my friends have jumped at the creative opportunity too. I highly recommend other drivers consider this approach—steering clear of high-energy songs (sorry, Pitbull) that might encourage you and your passengers to drive, or encourage you to drive in an irresponsible manner.

Ultimately, driving comes with immense responsibility, and many fail to recognize that driving is a privilege, not a right. A car is a powerful tool, but it can also easily become a weapon. So, before you decide to go 40 miles per hour while scrolling through Instagram, remember: you do not need a gun to take a life.