Driven to Change: A Near-Death Experience to Advocating for Driver Education

It could have been me. That frosty, February afternoon it could have been me. Driving home amidst a blizzard storm, my father and I stopped for a quick lunch before resuming our long drive home from a sports tournament. Pulling out of the drive-through, I rummaged through our greased brown bag of food to realize one of our orders was missing. Deciding to not mention it to my dad, we merged back onto the bustling freeway. As the sun fell fast towards the ground and night began to arouse, we sat listening to 80s on 8 and recalling referee mistakes when our life flashed before our eyes. Skidding over the grassy median and barreling straight toward our car, an uncontrollable pickup truck was careening toward us at an unruly speed. Horrified, we watched out of our side view mirrors as the drifting truck slipped past our rear end and plowed into the car behind us. The silence was deafening. While my father called 911, I silently watched as the flames from the brutal collision grew smaller and smaller behind us. Panicked, I sat and thought about fate. If we had turned back around to retrieve our correct order, we would have been severely injured, if not dead. The rearing car would have been us. I would not be sitting here, writing this essay. It could have been me and it could potentially could be you.

When I was first taking a driver’s education class, I remember learning about the different ways to prevent hazardous driving in extreme weather. I learned what winter tires are, and how they can improve a vehicle’s traction, the correct following distances on freeways and sidestreets, steering into the direction of the skid, and reducing the accelerating speed if your car begins to drift. I remember being instructed on how to indicate an unsafe driver on the road, what the emergency and safety features of vehicles are, and what laws are to be obeyed and followed when on the road. Learning these defensive techniques and procedures created a better-equipped driver who was prepared with practical knowledge in the situation of an emergency. Without learning about these rules and regulations, I fully believe that I would not be able to safely and carefully operate an automobile as I do today. These classes create responsible and knowledgeable drivers who understand the dangers that accompany getting behind the steering wheel of a car. It is extremely frightening and concerning to every driver on the road that these classes are not compulsory. The chances of an injurious or fatal accident occurring are increasingly higher when an uneducated individual is sitting behind the wheel.

When I glance at the cars surrounding me when I drive, I have to remind myself that not every person is educated like I am. That fateful February day flashes across my mind each time I climb behind the wheel. These thoughts haunt me. It cannot be emphasized enough how crucial driver education is for the safety of everything on or near the road. Implementing mandatory driver education and safety courses for every individual seeking a driver’s license ensures that future generations of drivers will be comprehensively educated about traffic laws, safety, and skills that will provide them with the competence and confidence to drive safely. There are so many economic and financial barriers that prevent individuals from being able to complete driver education due to its’ extortionate cost. Providing scholarships for students or individuals who wish to complete driver education would hopefully encourage or promote class registration and would allow more individuals to have access to this education. Furthermore, providing or promoting more inexpensive or complimentary programs to local communities would be an amazing way to not only promote the concept of driver education but also provide more opportunities to potential drivers who might not otherwise be able to afford it. On an individual level, there are several courses of action I can take to become a better, more informed driver and to encourage others to do the same. Limiting my distractions and continuously practicing safe driving habits will allow me to maintain and promote my as well as others’ road safety and protection. Additionally, when others are in my vehicle while I am driving I can exemplify cautious driving habits and when I am with other drivers I can address any hazardous habits and promote safe driving etiquette with them.

Promoting safe driving and driver educatio is crucial in combating vehicular deaths and will stimulate an environment of security on the road. The current and future generations of drivers deserve to be well informed and safe while driving and in learning to do so. Advocating for safe driving starts with you. I encourage you to educate yourself and others to create the most protective driving atmosphere possible and together we can save lives. By prioritizing responsible driving through compulsory and accessible driver education and in spreading awareness, we can collectively drive towards safety together; because the next time we climb behind the wheel- it could be me, it could be you.