Going Viral for All the Wrong Reasons

I first learned about the tragic accident involving one of my classmates from Miami Gardens through social media. It was a shocking and heartbreaking moment that has left an indelible mark on me. That night, I was scrolling through Instagram when I stumbled upon a bunch of posts and stories about a severe car crash not far from my high school. As the night went on, and I continued seeing the photos and videos posted by various classmates, my heart sank.

The images showed the aftermath of a devastating collision, with the mangled remains of a car and debris scattered across the road. You could even see a person lying near the scene motionless. As I watched the videos, I realized that many of the people at the scene were merely bystanders, recording the horrifying chaos on their phones instead of offering help or calling for emergency services. It was disturbing to see how quickly the crash site had become a spectacle for social media rather than a scene of urgent need.

When the morning came, I noticed a few comments mentioning the name of my classmate. My stomach churned as I tried to process the possibility that someone I knew was involved in this terrible accident which had been posted for the world to see. I continued to search for more information, hoping that others were mistaken about the victim to succumbed to their injuries from the horrific crash. Unfortunately, my fears were confirmed when I saw posts from mutual friends and community members expressing their sorrow and condolences.

The sense of helplessness and frustration was overwhelming. It was hard to believe that in such a critical moment, instead of helping or calling for assistance, people chose to document the tragedy. This incident highlighted not only the dangers of driving but also a troubling aspect of our digital age, where the instinct to share and capture moments often overshadows the need for human compassion and action.

This experience has profoundly impacted my perspective on being a responsible driver and user of social media. For me, this tragedy reinforced the need to prioritize helping those in need over the impulse to record and share every event.

It goes without saying that driver education plays a crucial role in reducing the number of deaths from car accidents by equipping new drivers with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for safe driving. Comprehensive driver education programs focus on several key areas that contribute to safer driving practices. Unfortunately, in my school District, Miami-Dade County, driver education programs were a thing of the past. While I attended the same high school that my mother had over 20 years before, our experiences were completely different as they relate to driver education.

My mother recalls driving a small, white Ford around an enclosed driving course where a new building at my high school now stands. She explained how she took a class completely dedicated to not only teaching the rules of the road. but also practicing the act of driving. I had no such experience at school. Not only was driver’s education not an option at my school, but it did not appear to be an option anywhere in my school district at the time I became eligible for a driver’s license. Luckily, I have parents who understand the importance of not only teaching the skill of driving but also teaching me the spectacular gravity of driving a vehicle.

My parents taught me that driving occurs so routinely, that it was very easy to overlook how terrifically dangerous it actually is. As a driver, you are not only responsible for what you do on the road, you are responsible for appropriately responding to others as they drive. So while my experience with driver education was not as formal as some others, it taught me what I needed to know, with plenty of anecdotal stories to accompany every mistake I made while learning courtesy of my stepdad.

He taught me the rules of the road, what traffic signs and signals meant, and traffic laws that I needed to be aware of. Understanding these rules serves as a baseline in my driver education experience. While learning all of this was helpful, it of course does not guarantee that an accident will not occur. Rather, it reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by confusion or ignorance.

My driver education experience emphasized practical driving skills such as executing lane changes, merging, and parking. Much to my dismay, I also had to learn how to drive in the rain and at nighttime (an experience my mom did not get driving the white Ford around the driver’s education course at school in the 90s). I truly believe that mastering these skills in a real-world environment under my stepdad’s supervision helped build my confidence and competence as a driver. I cannot overstate what a vitally important part of my driver’s education that has been. I really believe that it has translated to safer driving behavior.

Some of the skills I learned under the close supervision of my stepfather include, anticipating potential hazards and how to respond to them, maintaining a safe following distance, and scanning the road ahead. These skills are essential in preventing accidents and even mitigating the severity of accidents when they do occur.

It’s also important for driver education to address things people may not think of as being “driving skills” such as not driving while impaired or while distracted by things such as electronics, passengers, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Learning about the dangers inherent in these behaviors teaches drivers to avoid such dangers.

It has certainly been my experience that driver education is vital in reducing the number of serious and fatal car accidents. Even if they take it for granted, drivers need to be given the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes, to create safer roads and save lives.

When looking at measures that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving, interestingly enough, I think technology (often the cause of many accidents through distracted driving), has advanced to the point where it may aid significantly in reducing driving-related deaths.

One of the most notable technologies is advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These systems include features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot detection. By providing real-time assistance and alerts to drivers, ADAS can help prevent accidents and collisions or reduce their severity, thereby reducing fatalities. For instance, automatic emergency braking can detect imminent collisions and apply the brakes if the driver fails to respond in time.

Another impactful technology is the implementation technology which allows drivers to engage with the phones hands-free. Drivers are able to respond to calls and text messages without taking their hands off of the steering wheel and their eyes off of the road, conduct which accounts for many accidents as the result of distracted driving.

Advancements in traffic management system technology also contribute to safer driving. Intelligent traffic lights, for example, can adjust in real time based on traffic flow, reducing congestion and the likelihood of accidents at intersections. Many traffic accidents can be attributed to driver frustration and impatience. When a driver becomes impatient, they are more likely to engage in risky driving and poor decision-making. Other technologies such as smart road systems can monitor road conditions and provide alerts to drivers about hazards such as debris in the road or accidents ahead.

Technology is a powerful tool in the fight to reduce driving-related deaths. Through innovations in vehicle safety systems, traffic management, and other technologies, the roads can become significantly safer for everyone.

As a new driver, there are several steps to take to become a better and safer driver, especially when you are responsible for driving friends and family. Prioritizing safety not only protects you but also those who depend on you.

As a conscientious driver, it is imperative to adhere to the rules of the road such as obeying speed limits, traffic signals, and signs. Being mindful of what appears to be very simple, helps prevent accidents. Defensive driving is also critical. Defensive driving requires the driver to remain aware of their surroundings, anticipate potential hazards, and be prepared to react to other drivers’ mistakes.

It is important to stay calm and patient while driving. Road rage and aggressive driving can lead to dangerous situations, especially in big cities. If you encounter a rude or aggressive driver, do not engage with them and keep your distance.

Take your time. You will get there when you get there. Everything else can wait. My mother always tells me that leaving home and returning safely is such an underrated blessing. It’s true. We drive so frequently that we often take for granted the remarkable danger inherent in doing so.