Driving Almost Killed My Brother

What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number deaths as a result of driving? What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving? Have you ever had an experience of being in car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly? What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?

My brother nearly lost his life in a severe car accident, but first I must provide some context about my family and the challenges we’ve faced. In 2019, my aunt moved to the U.S. from Bangladesh after divorcing her husband, bringing her along two daughters. Adjusting to life in America was difficult for all of us. There were seven people in our household, and all the adults worked full-time, leaving the kids—myself (14), my younger brother Zidan (10), and my cousins Shanisha (14) and Shehzeen (11)—to fend for ourselves. Fast forward two years, Shanisha obtained her learner’s permit, and my aunt made the tough decision to allow her to drive her immediate family to school, tutoring, and other activities, even though it wasn’t fully legal. This became our only means of transportation. Shanisha was never caught or faced any legal trouble, and by the time Shehzeen turned 16 and got her permit, she too began driving to school, her job, and the gym.

On March 12th, 2023, Shehzeen and Zidan decided to go to the gym together. My mother had offered to take Zidan herself, but he assured her that Shehzeen was a capable driver and insisted she trust them. After their gym session, however, they forgot to turn on the GPS, got lost, and made a wrong turn. In a moment of panic, Shehzeen lost control and crashed into a fence. The street sign in front of the fence made this accident even more dangerous. It smashed through the windshield, and while Shehzeen was able to duck in time, Zidan wasn’t as fortunate. The metal piece struck him across his forehead, leaving a deep 5-inch gash.

Zidan was rushed to the hospital, where he spent two weeks recovering. We were fortunate that he survived, and though he bears a permanent scar, he is now thriving—doing well in school and eagerly awaiting his upcoming kickboxing match. But the weight of that day still lingers in our hearts. As a family, we recognize how close we came to losing him, and that guilt will stay with us forever. The thought that I, as an older sibling, could have outlived my younger brother is unbearable. We are lucky, but many families are not.

This experience has left me wanting to share our story in hopes of preventing other families from making the same fatal decisions out of convenience or necessity. No one should ever drive before they are legally qualified to do so. Zidan’s life could have been lost because of a decision made in haste, and it’s a lesson I hope others will never have to learn in the hardest way. Through driving education, preventing fatal accidents can be reachable and we can overall reduce the number of deaths caused by road accidents.

Proper education equips young drivers with essential skills and knowledge on how to navigate roads under severe weather conditions, handle dangerous situations involving other drivers, and obey traffic laws in various areas. Most accidents are caused by human error, which can be minimized through the distribution of information via schools, programs, and community outreach initiatives that emphasize responsible and safe driving practices. Teaching young and new drivers about the dangers of impaired driving—such as speeding, texting, or being under the influence—is crucial for fostering habits that last a lifetime.

Several strategies can reduce driving-related accidents, including stricter enforcement of traffic laws, promoting public awareness campaigns, and encouraging defensive driving courses. Stricter traffic laws ensure drivers are more aware of important details like seatbelt use and speed limits, promoting safer driving practices. Public awareness campaigns, particularly those targeting young drivers, serve as reminders of the dangers of distracted driving, helping to reinforce good habits. Lastly, defensive driving courses enhance reflexes and prepare drivers for unexpected situations on the road, further reducing accident risks.

Personally, I have witnessed the consequences of irresponsible driving. While Shehzeen wasn’t speeding, a single wrong turn drastically impacted our lives. This experience made me more cautious about who I drive with, and I now refuse to get into a car with someone who texts or drives under the influence. To become a safer driver, I stay alert, minimize distractions, and follow road signs carefully. I also plan to promote safe driving among my family and friends by sharing my experiences and reminding them to avoid risky behaviors, no matter how tempting. Driver education is vital to reducing road fatalities, and adopting safe driving habits is the first step toward creating an accident-free environment.