Road Ready, Risk Free

I want you to remember the first time you got behind the wheel, the first time your foot was slightly off the pedal, and the first time you felt complete control over the vehicle. Didn’t it feel good? A new feeling and experience that opened you up to the world. The ability to be able to drive to where you desire. While feeling on top of the world, you may forget the risks and consequences if you’re not careful. I’m here to tell you that driving is not given; it’s earned. It’s even a privilege. We as people, especially now, have forgotten that. Many accidents, car totals, and deaths have ruined families within a second. The elephant in the room is education. Many people are not educated enough on this matter. As a licensed driver, experiencing the highs and lows, being on both sides of an accident, there is still more education to be learned and thought of.

By giving people the information and abilities they need to drive safely, driver education plays a critical role in lowering the number of driving-related fatalities. Drivers who receive the right instruction understand defensive driving skills, the fundamentals of the road, and the risks associated with reckless driving, including speeding, driving while intoxicated, and distracted driving. In addition to enhancing technical driving abilities, this training promotes responsible decision-making, which aids drivers in anticipating and reacting to possible risks. Furthermore, to reduce accidents, driver education programs frequently stress the value of wearing seatbelts, maintaining a clean car, and being aware of traffic signals. Driver education dramatically lowers the risk of crashes and fatalities by promoting safer driving practices and raising knowledge of road safety, eventually saving lives.

Education, enforcement, and better infrastructure must all be combined to lower the number of driving-related fatalities. First, increasing the number of driver education programs can guarantee that drivers are knowledgeable of defensive driving strategies, road safety, and the risks associated with driving while intoxicated or distracted. Reckless behavior can also be discouraged by stricter enforcement of traffic laws, such as those about speed limits, seatbelt use, and DUI legislation. Accidents can also be avoided by making investments in safer road designs, such as those with designated bike and pedestrian lanes, better lighting, and more readable signage. Manufacturers of automobiles can help by improving safety features like lane departure warnings and automated braking systems. Last but not least, encouraging public awareness campaigns on the dangers of risky driving practices can help to further promote responsible driving.

On the end of my journey of driving, I’ve caused and also been affected by a car accident. While rushing to school, already late, I was flustered with my chaotic morning — scrambling to grab my things, skipping breakfast, and racing out the door. As I drove, my mind felt like a whirlwind of stress. I had my phone in my hand, constantly checking the time to see each minute slip away. Seeing the light in the distance turn green, I thought to myself, I can spare a second. So, why not take another look down at my phone? Then — BOOM! My heart stopped. The sound of crunching metal echoed in my ears as I realized what had just happened. My phone slipped from my hand as panic set in. My thoughts raced faster than my car had just moments before. My license… will it be taken? Am I going to get in trouble with the police? Is the other driver okay? Are they even alive? I was utterly distraught, frozen in my seat as reality sank in.

I forced myself to get out of the car, my legs shaky beneath me. The other driver was stepping out too — thankfully, they were unharmed, but their car wasn’t as fortunate. Guilt hit me like a wave. I apologized over and over, feeling the weight of my poor decision sink deeper. The aftermath — dealing with insurance, explaining the situation to my parents, and facing the embarrassment of knowing I had put someone else at risk — was overwhelming. That accident taught me a hard but important lesson. No text, call, or glance at the clock is ever worth risking a life. Now, whenever I get behind the wheel, I make it a point to put my phone away, focus fully on the road, and remind myself that arriving safely is far more important than arriving on time.

I’ll concentrate on practicing defensive driving by remaining vigilant, foreseeing possible dangers, and keeping a safe following distance to improve and become a safer driver. To assist in preventing accidents, I make it a point to abide by traffic laws, such as speed limits and appropriate signal usage. I also keep my phone out of reach and give my whole attention to the road to prevent distractions. Another thing I do to keep my car in good shape is to check the brakes, tires, and lights regularly. I’ll also make an effort to lead by example by driving sensibly and motivating friends and family to follow suit.