Scared to Drive

I was in eighth grade when I learned that two well-known, kind, likable, and admired high students from my town of Gorham, Maine had tragically died in a car crash. I remember my mother, an elementary principal, being very emotional as the students had gone through her elementary school and she had strong memories of them as 5th graders. My teachers were somber when the news was shared and the guidance counselors were on call for anyone that needed to talk or process what had occurred.

At the time, I was participating in middle school theater productions and learned that the lead in a past musical was the sister of one of the deceased high school students. She was a grade older than me and I could not stop thinking about how her life had also changed in the instant of the crash. The high school held a memorial and the amount of staff, students, and community members in attendance was significant. This experience of learning about a car accident and the deadly result of irresponsible driving hit me hard. The students who passed were student-athletes and had similar upbringings to mine. They came from loving families and had parents, siblings, pets, friends, and future aspirations. Their lives were over because of the car crash caused by another vehicle’s reckless driving. Those they left behind would never be the same.

This was the moment that my mindset about driving shifted. Prior to this incident, I was eager to take driver’s education, get my license, and secure my freedom on the road. At the moment of this tragedy, I became a bit scared of learning how to drive and wasn’t sure if driving was worth the risk. I had so many dreams for my future and felt anxious about how tragedy could literally hit in an instant due to unsafe and distracted driving.

My mother recognized my hesitation and enrolled me in a reputable driver education program in my hometown of Gorham. She shared that I could decide when and if I wanted to pursue my license but that I had to learn about safe driving and the importance of being educated on road rules. I began taking classes and learning about traffic laws, responsibilities on the road, and how to be a safe driver. I learned that traffic accidents are the main cause of death in the United States and that this can be prevented with proper driver education. It was through this education that I learned the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving.

As I began my driver education journey, I was determined to be a safe driver and even noticed that my parents became safer drivers because of my education. Their cell phones that once had a permanent spot in the cup holder were now left in their bags or out of sight. They seemed less distracted knowing that I was watching their every move. I became more motivated to learn how to drive and knew that being behind the wheel was not just a right but a huge responsibility.

Through driver’s education, I became much more confident and focused on making sure I scan my surroundings, keep my speed in check, and avoid distractions. I passed my permit test and felt less scared to be on the road knowing that I played a huge role in my road safety by being educated on safe driving techniques and traffic laws. I will admit that I will never forget the story of the two local high school students who were killed in a car crash. Often, I think about what their lives would be like if they were still living.

Today, I am exactly the age that the students were when they passed away. They had dreams for their future that were cut short. I have big dreams as well and want the opportunity to achieve them which is why safe driving is a priority. I hope to pursue post-secondary education in the areas of dance performance and education. I know that driving is an important part of life and I am committed to doing my part to ensure that driving experiences are as safe as possible. I often remind my friends to turn down their music, put their phones away, and focus on the road. I try to anticipate road danger whenever possible and communicate any car issues or concerns with my parents as soon as possible. Sometimes I even remind my family and friends about the past tragedy in order to remind my loved ones about how important it is to be safe on the road. Despite everything I am doing and will continue to do to be safe on the road, I will admit that I will always be a little scared to drive.