A Safe Driver is an Aware Driver

Imagine you are on a jam packed, busy street in an unfamiliar place. You hear blaring sirens, constant honking, and busy travelers. You see buses cutting across 5 lanes of traffic without signaling. Your life is in the hands of a complete stranger. You’ve somehow narrowly missed getting into countless car accidents. You look at your family sitting next to you; they wear the same, shocked expressions on their face. Yet somehow, you feel safe. Your driver, Alberto, is calm, composed, and alert. He knows what he is doing.

This was my experience last week. When my family and I visited Peru, we found the driving culture surprising to say the least. But the most surprising thing about driving in this country to us was the seeming lack of car accidents. How could a busy place like this have such low accident rates?

The second I turned 16, I jumped on the opportunity to get my license as soon as possible. I was thrilled for the sense of responsibility and freedom driving could grant me. Upon getting my driver’s license, I vowed to myself I would never text while driving. I have held true to that promise, and I do not plan on breaking it. Driver’s education has taught me the importance of putting away my phone when I drive. It taught me how crucial it is that I stay alert at all times. As I get more experienced with driving, it becomes easier to relax and even take driving rules lightly.

Two days ago, I witnessed a car accident for the first time. It wasn’t anything major, but the sight of it made me realize how easy it is to make an unsafe move on the road. It also made me realize how easy it is for anyone on the road to hit me, even if I am following the rules perfectly. Driving rules are essential, but following them does not guarantee absolute safety. We need to be aware. We need to be aware of how close we are to other cars. We need to be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists. And most importantly, we need to be aware of our safety and the safety of others.

This brings me back to my earlier question. The driving norms in Peru are extremely abnormal by American standards, and many would consider them unsafe. So, why are there not more car accidents?

Perhaps this has little to do with the drivers’ obedience to traffic rules and has much to do with awareness. By saying this, I do not disregard traffic laws. These rules are put in place for a definite purpose, and they are not to be taken lightly. But traffic laws are powerless if the driver is unaware. Awareness is the first and single most important step to reduce car accidents across the globe. The drivers in Peru have learned this, and so must we.

While preparing to get my license, I studied hard. I learned about the importance of driving safety and what it means to be a responsible driver. In order to be a responsible driver, one must be diligent in practicing what they have learned. When I was learning how to drive, my parents and driving instructor stressed the importance of constantly checking my mirrors. Practicing this habit has helped me avoid countless accidents, and I’m grateful for the knowledge I’ve gained every day. Not only this, but I’ve also learned to be careful when I drive, careful enough that if there was an irresponsible driver nearby, I could successfully steer out of the way to avoid an accident.

I can still hear my driving instructor’s words in my head every time I drive. “Don’t forget to do your head checks,” she’d say. There were times we would be driving and I’d forget a step when changing lanes or making a turn, and my instructor would make me turn around and try again. Over and over, again and again. At the moment, it was frustrating, but I learned a valuable lesson. The things I learned by repeatedly practicing stuck with me, and I don’t ever forget them now. Without this education, I would not be where I am today. I wouldn’t have the confidence I have now. Car accidents are common, but they are not unavoidable. I know I can do my part to be aware of my surroundings and protect myself and others. Our society as a whole can do this. Safe driving starts with awareness, and awareness will save lives.