Heaven Can Wait

When I think about the freedom and responsibility that come with driving, I am reminded of a saying my mom has: “Driving is a privilege, not a right.” Those words echo in my mind every time I get behind the wheel. At 17, I’ve learned to appreciate the value of this privilege, especially as I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of unsafe driving and the importance of proper driver education.

The Importance of Driver Education

Driver education is so much more than learning how to parallel park or distinguish between a yield and a stop sign. It’s a foundation for responsibility and awareness. Every year, thousands of lives are lost in car accidents that could have been prevented with better training. For young drivers like me, we’re especially at risk. We’re inexperienced, and sometimes we think we’re invincible. Driver education teaches us the skills to navigate the road safely, but it also instills the mindset of being cautious, alert, and accountable. Without it, the statistics would be even grimmer.

Driver education also gives us a chance to practice in controlled environments under the guidance of instructors who understand the unique challenges new drivers face. The lessons extend beyond mechanics; they include defensive driving techniques, understanding the dangers of distractions, and recognizing impaired driving. These lessons don’t just reduce accidents—they save lives.

Steps to Reduce Driving-Related Deaths

Reducing driving-related deaths requires collective action. For one, we need stricter laws to combat dangerous behaviors like texting and driving. It’s shocking how many drivers—young and old—treat their phones as more important than the lives of everyone on the road. Public awareness campaigns, like those showing the devastating effects of drunk driving, should be expanded to include texting and other distractions.

Another critical step is improving infrastructure. Some accidents happen not because of driver error, but because of poorly designed roads or lack of signage. Investing in safer roads, clearer signs, and better lighting could prevent countless tragedies. Additionally, accessible and affordable driver education programs should be prioritized. Not every family can afford private lessons, and making these programs widely available can ensure that all new drivers start on the right foot.

A Personal Experience That Shaped Me

Last year, I had a wake-up call that forever changed how I view driving. My cousin, who is just a year older than me, was in a car accident. It wasn’t a life-threatening crash, but it was serious enough to leave him shaken—and thankfully, not permanently injured. He had been checking his phone while driving, even though he knew better. He glanced down for what he said was “just a second,” but that second was long enough for him to rear-end another car.

It wasn’t just about the damage to his car or the insurance premiums—it was the realization that it could have been so much worse. He could have hurt someone else or himself. Watching him go through that experience made me vow to never treat driving lightly.

Unfortunately, I’ve also witnessed friends driving irresponsibly. I’ve seen them speed many times, and I’ve also seen other people that maybe I’m not so close too but my friends are, pass away due to speeding accidents multiple times in my community in Northern Peoria. Speaking up in those moments isn’t easy—I mean, who wants to sound like the annoying friend that sounds like a Mom or Dad, but I realized that saying something could be the difference between life and death. Now, I don’t hesitate to remind my friends to slow down or put their phones away. It’s not about being annoying—it’s about caring.

Becoming a Better and Safer Driver

For me, being a better driver starts with setting rules for myself and sticking to them. I never text and drive, even at red lights. My phone stays in “Do Not Disturb” mode while I’m in the car. I also make it a habit to check my mirrors, keep a safe following distance, and abide by speed limits—even when I’m tempted to speed up because I’m running late.

To help others become safer drivers, I believe in leading by example. My younger sister will start learning to drive soon, and I want her to see what safe driving looks like. If she notices that I’m not texting, she’ll be less likely to do it herself. If she hears me talking about the importance of staying focused, she’ll take it seriously. It’s a ripple effect—one person’s actions can influence others in their circle.

Another step I plan to take is advocating for driver education within my school. Not every student has access to these programs, and I think it would be amazing if schools partnered with local driving schools to offer free or discounted lessons. Education is empowerment, and I want my peers to have every tool available to drive safely.

Conclusion

Driving is a privilege that comes with immense responsibility. Proper driver education lays the groundwork for safer roads by equipping drivers with the skills and mindset they need. To reduce driving-related deaths, we need better laws, infrastructure, and education. My personal experiences have taught me that accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and I’m committed to being a safer driver and helping those around me do the same.

As I look toward the future, I understand that my actions behind the wheel don’t just affect me, they affect everyone around me. That’s why I’ll continue to prioritize safety, advocate for education, and do my part to make the roads a safer place for all.