Driven by Loss

Driver education plays a critical role in reducing the number of deaths caused by driving, and this is something I have come to understand in a deeply personal way. Back in December 2017, my life changed in an instant when my brother Anthony and I were involved in a car accident. Our car hit a patch of black ice, causing us to lose control. We slid off the road, and while the accident itself was terrifying, what followed was even more heartbreaking. I had to call my mom to let her know what had happened—a moment that will stay with me forever. We were rushed to the hospital, and all I could think about was making sure my brother was okay.

Later that night, we received devastating news: Anthony’s vertebrae were broken, and there was a chance he could be paralyzed. The weight of those words crushed me. Watching him lying in that hospital bed, unable to move or speak, was an experience I wasn’t prepared for. The situation seemed unreal. Anthony, always so full of life and lighthearted, was now struggling in a way I could never have imagined. Even in his condition, he found ways to show his playful spirit, giving us hope. But when the doctors said he needed surgery to possibly regain the ability to speak and move again, things took a turn. After the surgery, Anthony’s condition worsened, and a few days after his birthday, he passed away.

Losing Anthony was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. Not only did I lose my brother, but I also lost my biggest role model. Watching my family grieve shattered me. But through that pain, something shifted in me. I realized that I wanted to make him proud—to carry his memory with me as motivation to strive for success in my life. I stopped being passive and started trying. During the last two quarters of 8th grade, I got my first 3.0 GPA, which changed my outlook on my academic abilities. From there, I pushed myself harder each year, eventually earning a 4.0 GPA in high school. Even through the disruptions of COVID-19, I kept my determination, taking AP classes and raising my GPA to a 4.4 by the end of my senior year. My drive wasn’t just about getting good grades; it was about honoring my brother’s memory and proving to myself that I could achieve more than I ever thought possible.

This personal tragedy has taught me so much about life, but it also opened my eyes to the importance of being a safe driver and how quickly things can change on the road. Driver education could have potentially saved my brother’s life if we had been more prepared for that icy condition or knew more about how to handle those moments of danger. Education isn’t just about learning how to drive—it’s about understanding the risks, being aware of the environment, and making responsible decisions that can save lives.

To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, we need to take a proactive approach, especially when it comes to young or inexperienced drivers. Schools should require comprehensive driver education programs that go beyond the basics of maneuvering a vehicle. These programs should teach students how to handle unexpected situations, like black ice, and emphasize the importance of wearing seatbelts, following speed limits, and avoiding distractions.

From my personal experience, I’ve learned how easily life can be turned upside down because of one moment on the road. That’s why I am committed to being a better and safer driver myself. I now pay more attention to weather conditions, drive slower when necessary, and make sure I’m fully aware of my surroundings. I’ve also made it a point to talk to my friends and family about the importance of safe driving, sharing my story in the hope that they can avoid the kind of tragedy my family endured.

Moving forward, I’ll continue to do everything I can to honor Anthony’s memory by living a life that makes him proud. That means not only succeeding in my academic and career goals but also taking the steps necessary to ensure that I—and those around me—stay safe on the road. Being a better driver is just one way I can make a difference and prevent others from experiencing the kind of loss I did.

In conclusion, driver education is essential in reducing road fatalities. Through comprehensive programs and personal responsibility, we can all work together to make the roads safer for everyone. My own experience has driven home the importance of these lessons, and I am committed to being part of the solution.