Do You Want to Be in the Driver’s Seat?

What does it really mean to be in the driver’s seat? Most teens would probably say it means freedom, independence, and adulthood. But those are only a few pieces of what comes with driving. Sitting behind the wheel also comes with serious responsibility — the kind that could end a life or extremely change somebodies life. Even the most experienced drivers can make mistakes, especially when distracted. I learned that the hard way during my first car accident.

I’ve always trusted my dad behind the wheel. But one day, we were running late to the airport, and he decided to speed — despite the fact that there was a thunderstorm that was causing the roads to flood. Speeding plus wet roads equals hydroplaning. The car began spinning. It felt like it would never stop. I remember thinking, I don’t want this car to stop spinning, because I don’t know what will happen when it does. Thankfully, we came out of it with just a damaged tire. But it easily could have been much worse. After the accident I didn’t ever want to drive. It took me a year to realize that car accidents are everywhere but as long as I am in the driver’s seat it will not be because of me. That moment taught me something I’ll never forget: even the best drivers can make a mistake from a simple mistake, and those decisions can have real consequences.

Teen driver safety is a serious public issue because teens are still maturing. Many crashes involving teens are caused by speeding, distractions from phones or friends, or even driving under the influence. I know of a friend who was drinking and driving with a car full of teens. They ended up crashing and the car flipped over and caught fire. They survived but that could have been a different story. Driver’s education plays a crucial role in helping prevent these tragedies. Although, not the education that bores students but the education that teens will never forget. It provides teens with the knowledge, empathy , and awareness they need to make safe choices on the road. Unfortunately, I had to learn through experience. But if teens are taught real-life stories and consequences, they might think twice before making an immature decision.

One of the biggest challenges teen drivers face is peer pressure. Many teens want validation from their friends. They might speed, show off, or have the need to respond to messages while driving. But the truth is, those moments of trying to impress others won’t matter in the long run. What does matter is staying alive and keeping others safe. The best way to overcome peer pressure is to realize that growing up means thinking long-term. It’s better to grow up and forget about the people you’re trying to impress than dying too young.

Schools can help by holding assemblies when students start reaching driving age. These assemblies shouldn’t just teach the rules of the road but they should also include speakers with real stories, people who’ve been personally impacted by car accidents. Hearing from someone who’s lost a loved one or been injured in a crash could make driving safety feel more real. A tragic car accident in my city that killed two girls and left the driver paralyzed has never left my mind. I pass the area where they crashed everyday to school. The driver was speeding and the roads were icy. It’s a daily reminder that I need to keep myself and my peers safe. Imagine the amount of guilt the driver carries. Students need to learn stories like that to clock that, that could have been anybody at our school. Communities can also make a difference. Fundraisers, memorials, or awareness events for victims of car accidents can help bring attention to the issue. But in the end, one of the most powerful ways to promote safe driving is through peer influence. When one teen commits to driving safely, others might follow. That ripple effect can change lives. The ripple effect comes from the seed the schools and communities plant into their students.

As for me, I’ve taken my experience as a wake-up call. I plan to be a more responsible driver, no matter the situation. I also hope to speak openly with my friends and family about safe driving habits. It starts with one person making the right choices and encouraging others to do the same.

So I’ll ask again: do you really want to be in the driver’s seat? If you do, make sure you’re ready to take on the responsibility because it’s not about where you’re going but making sure that you come back safe.