The right way before the highway

Turning 18 and beginning the process of getting my driver’s license was a mix of excitement and anxiety. As someone who had once been involved in a traumatic car accident as a passenger, I found the experience of learning to drive both exhilarating and overwhelming. The accident was life-changing. I was in a vehicle that was T-boned, and the aftermath left all of us in pain for weeks. That experience instilled fear in me, one that resurfaced every time I got behind the wheel. It filled me with an overwhelming sense of caution, which turned into road anxiety as I started my journey toward earning my driver’s license.

For a long time, I had never fully appreciated the importance of driver’s education. As a teenager, I thought, “How complicated could driving really be?” But after the accident, my perspective shifted. I realized the complexity and responsibility that come with operating a vehicle, and I began to see the critical importance of understanding road safety and rules. I took my driver’s education course, where I was taught the fundamentals of safe driving. I learned that defensive driving, seat belts, and the need to stay focused on the road at all times are all crucial to safe driving. While the anxiety never fully disappeared, I grew more comfortable behind the wheel as I continued to practice. I came to understand that the risks were not just something I had to manage for myself but for every other person on the road as well.

After completing my driver’s education and earning my license, I moved to Central Coastal California to attend college and live with my grandparents. The transition was difficult at first. I had to learn how to navigate a new environment, and I also began commuting regularly, which added a layer of stress to my daily routine. Despite my initial apprehensions, my drives were uneventful and smooth, and I felt proud of my growing confidence as a driver. But soon after, my world would change again. On January 5th, just days after celebrating my grandmother’s 73rd birthday, she was involved in a life-threatening accident that would impact our family forever.

While I was at work, my grandmother was out running errands. She was on her way to CVS to pick up medication for her diabetes when her car was broadsided by a pickup truck. The news of her accident hit my family and I hard. The uncertainty of her condition was terrifying. We later learned that my grandmother was at fault for the accident—she hadn’t checked both ways before making a left turn at an intersection. This realization was tough. It highlighted how something as simple as a split-second lapse in attention could have life-altering consequences. My grandmother survived the crash, but her recovery has been slow and painful. She spent weeks in the ICU and then moved to physical therapy, where she continues to work on regaining her strength. However, she will never walk the same way again, and she now requires assistance to complete even the most basic tasks in her daily life.

This event was a wake-up call. It forced me to reflect on how easily accidents can happen when we aren’t fully focused on the road. It emphasized the importance of safe driving practices and the profound impact that reckless behavior can have—not only on the driver but on everyone else involved. I now understand that the consequences of unsafe driving are far-reaching. They don’t just affect one person; they can affect families, communities, and even the emotional well-being of those who witness or are involved in the crash.

I believe that there is always room for growth as a driver. I’ve caught myself becoming too comfortable behind the wheel—distracted, tired, or overconfident. But I’ve learned to never take driving for granted. Even in those moments, I remind myself that anything can happen in an instant. I’ve also come to realize that mental health plays a crucial role in safe driving. Emotional distress can cloud judgment and increase the likelihood of accidents, making it important to be self-aware and responsible behind the wheel.

As a result of these experiences, I’m committed to encouraging those around me to take driving seriously. I often remind my younger siblings and friends who are just beginning to drive to not only learn the rules of the road but to make safe driving a lifelong practice. It’s not enough to just pass the driving test—it’s about developing habits that ensure our safety and the safety of others. Accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and my family has experienced firsthand the heartache caused by car accidents. We’ve lost three family members in crashes, and the lessons I’ve learned from those tragedies are lessons I will never forget.

In high school, I frequently saw my peers posting reckless driving videos on social media—dangerous stunts, speeding, and texting behind the wheel. These “fun” moments were often glorified, but the devastating realities of reckless driving weren’t highlighted nearly enough. I believe that if we had more access to driver’s education programs in middle school and high school, we could begin teaching safety earlier, potentially preventing future tragedies. By making safe driving a part of the conversation at an earlier age, we can instill responsible habits and save lives.

Driving isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about recognizing the responsibility we have for ourselves, our passengers, and everyone on the road. As I continue my journey, I remain committed to practicing safe driving and sharing these lessons with others, hoping to make a positive impact on the road and in my community.