A Chain Reaction

Catherine White

A Chain Reaction

Fear is ingrained in human beings. Some may fear heights, spiders, the dark, but it is not common for many people to fear stepping into a car each day and putting their lives in the hands of the drivers on the road. I live in New Jersey, where the age for a preliminary license is seventeen years old, which is older than most states. To receive a license, one must first pass a written test to obtain a permit and then later take a road test involving driving in a circle and parallel parking. Can this really ensure that a person is capable of handling a motor vehicle safely? We all know that the answer is no, but what else can we do? This falls into the hands of the individual driver.

Psychology proves that humans imitate each other in a process called limbic synchrony. We mimic the people around us as a survival method, and this imitation exists on the roads as well. When someone is speeding in front of a car, it may encourage the car behind them to speed as well to keep up, creating a chain reaction. Not only does this occur in terms of speed, but also in using proper signals and being a respectful driver overall. Driver’s education not only teaches students what specific signs mean, but it educates them on how to act in certain situations. Gaining a driver’s education is equally important to what is studied in math, reading, science, and all the other introductory courses because human life is on the line. However, after the course is finished, many divers forget what they learned almost immediately. It is highly important to consistently drill safe driving skills into the minds of people to ensure safe roadways. We need to start a chain reaction of safe driving habits. In December of 2019, I was involved in a car accident with my sister, a new driver. She wasn’t speeding, she wasn’t texting, and she wasn’t intoxicated; she was in a hurry and got distracted. While pulling out of our bumpy driveway she prepared to make the sharp right turn when the water bottle in the center console spilled onto her lap. She immediately jumped and in the blink of an eye, the car had crashed into the brick wall next to our house. The car began smoking and we ran in separate directions in shock. Our car was totaled and my hand was broken all because of spilled water. The broken bone in my hand impacted every part of my life. I couldn’t wash my hair, cut my food, or even type correctly. Before my hand could finish healing, the world entered a pandemic and I was unable to return to my doctor. Today I type this, almost one year later, with an unhealed bone and no car, all because of that water bottle. However, I am lucky to be alive to write this. Drivers education is extremely important to avoid car accidents, especially those that are fatal. It is equally important to understand that safe driving goes beyond just obeying the laws, because distracted driving is the cause of 9% of fatal accidents each year. Little things like spilled water, loud sounds, and unexpected distractions occur constantly while driving which is something every driver needs to be aware of. In order to try to avoid accidents occuring from things like this, it is important for drivers to not operate a car when their emotions are hyperactive or if their mind is preoccupied. These little things play a large role in driver safety. In order to keep the roads safe, it is essential to spread awareness. Psychology proves that good behavior can start a chain reaction, and that is what I hope my story will do.