The Path to Mindful Driving

Driving is an important part of our daily lives that allows for commuting and transportation, among other things. Most of us do it everyday to the point where we do not think twice about it. However, it is one of the most dangerous activities we take part in! Different types of driving accidents affect various demographics in different ways. For the youth aged between 16 to 19, the risk of motor vehicle crashes are higher than any other age group and one of the biggest causes of crashes in this demographic is due to distracted driving (CDC 2024). For example, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,308 people in that age group were killed due to distracted driving alone in 2022 (NHTSA 2024). The danger of not driving safely is that you put not only your own life at risk, but also the lives of innocent bystanders and motorists as well. This is why it is important to improve the quality of driver education and practice mindful driving.

Driver education is the first step that most people take when learning how to operate a motor vehicle which is why it is so important. Driver education is crucial for setting up responsible driving habits and lowering the risk of accidents among new drivers. As I mentioned earlier, teenage drivers have the highest risk of car crashes, due to inexperience and bad habits such as, texting, emailing, drunk driving, not wearing seatbelts, etc. (CDC 2024). It is so bad that the CDC reports that the leading cause of death for U.S. teens are motor vehicle crashes (CDC 2024). Driver education, especially for young drivers, educates them on the risks of driving and techniques or habits that may just save their lives. By providing a quality driver education, younger drivers can develop safer habits early and reduce the frequency of having to go through the horrible experience of a crash.

My personal experiences have allowed me to identify several distractions that can jeopardize driving safety. I used to practice bad driving habits as well. I glanced at my phone to check text messages, took my eyes off the road to adjust the radio, or turned to talk to passengers. These actions seem harmless at the moment, but a moment of distraction is all that is needed for a disaster. Long story short, I was involved in a car accident several years ago. My attention was focused on adjusting the radio while approaching an intersection, resulting in a totaled car, a mild concussion, fractured ribs, and hefty medical bills. This accident could have been avoided if I had practiced safer driving habits. This was an accident that involved myself and another driver. I felt guilty about the whole situation, and took responsibility for it. Now, because I didn’t have any passengers at the time, I was the only one injured. The harder pill to swallow is when a crash occurs and you are the one responsible for the deaths or injuries of others. I cannot even imagine the amount of guilt one would feel in that situation.

More recently, distracted driving hit even closer to home when my brother was involved in a car accident while slowing down for traffic. A driver behind him had rear-ended him and it had enough force to crash his car into the vehicle in front of him. In other words, this initial collision led to a multi-vehicle rear-end collision. Thankfully no one was hurt, but the point here is that a single driver has the potential to cause a significant amount of destruction in the lives of multiple families and loved ones.

Being honest with myself and admitting my problem with distracted driving was not easy. It required a deep evaluation of my habits and a willingness to change. Thankfully, I was able to make positive changes and implement them to address my issues. Firstly, I use the “Do Not Disturb” or “Airplane” mode on my phone while driving to prevent incoming notifications from distracting me. Before starting my drive, I set up my music and navigation directions to minimize adjustments while on the road. I keep my music at a moderate volume to remain aware of auditory cues from the environment and avoid turning to my passengers when speaking. Finally, I practice mindful driving, focusing on the road and prioritizing safety practices such as checking mirrors and being aware of potential dangers.

In conclusion, driving is an inherently dangerous activity that requires our attention and responsibility. Driver education plays a crucial role in reducing road fatalities by teaching safer driving habits. By promoting quality driving courses, not using technology while driving, and raising public awareness, I am hopeful that we can significantly reduce the number of deaths caused by driving. Committing to safe driving practices is a worthy effort for both the individual driver and the community.