Stay Safe

Driver education is a powerful tool for building safer roads. For many of us, learning to drive was one of the first big steps toward independence. But it’s also one of the biggest responsibilities we take on, and the risks are real. Accidents can happen in a split second, and a lot is at stake. I believe driver education is essential for helping people understand these risks, from learning the rules of the road to practicing defensive driving. When drivers have the skills to handle real-world situations, they’re more prepared to keep themselves and others safe. Studies have shown that formal training reduces accident rates, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of that structure. By setting up new drivers to practice safety early on, driver education gives them tools they’ll use for a lifetime.

One of the biggest benefits of driver education is that it encourages us to pay attention—to stay alert to what’s happening around us. As someone who strives to be a safe driver, I know this focus on awareness is vital. Driving is full of surprises: a car suddenly braking, a child running into the street, a slick patch of road. Driver education helps new drivers anticipate these situations and handle them safely. When drivers know what to look out for, they’re less likely to be caught off guard. And that awareness doesn’t just keep the driver safe; it protects everyone else on the road too.

Reducing the number of deaths on the road, though, is more complicated than just learning good driving habits. We need laws that discourage high-risk behaviors like texting or driving under the influence, and public campaigns to reinforce why these laws matter. After all, seeing the consequences of distracted driving in a powerful PSA can sometimes have a greater impact than just reading about it. Safer infrastructure is also essential. Adding bike lanes, widening shoulders, and slowing down traffic in residential areas make roads safer for everyone. I also think driver education could be more interactive, using simulations and real-world scenarios to prepare people for the challenges of driving today, including new technologies and complex road systems.

A life-changing experience with my younger cousin has made me deeply aware of just how fragile road safety can be. He was only six years old, and the whole incident left a lasting impact on our family. He had just won a new bike at a local fair and was riding it home with his dad, buzzing with excitement. As they crossed Main Street, a driver who was looking at her phone didn’t see them and turned onto the street, hitting him. It was terrifying, but immediately, people stopped their cars and ran over to help, lifting the vehicle off him while his dad pulled him out from underneath. Miraculously, he only broke his femur and had a few bruises. After surgery and some physical therapy, he recovered fully. But knowing how close he came to serious harm made me realize how quickly a single lapse in focus can change lives. I think about this often, and it’s why I’m so committed to focusing on the road and keeping distractions out of the driver’s seat.

Because of my cousin’s experience, I’ve committed to safe driving in very real, intentional ways. I don’t use my phone while driving. No text or notification is important enough to risk my safety or the safety of those around me. I also avoid driving when I’m feeling tired because I know even a slight lapse in alertness can affect my reaction times. Staying rested and alert keeps me present and in control, and it also reminds me to prioritize my own well-being.

When I’m on the road, I strive to stay fully aware of my surroundings. This means actively scanning for other cars, pedestrians, or sudden changes. I’m also careful not to let passengers distract me. If I’m driving with friends or family, I keep conversations light and focus on getting us safely to our destination. Driving isn’t a place for divided attention. These habits make me feel more confident and in control and help me stay connected to my commitment to safety.

I also do my best to support safe driving habits in others. If I’m a passenger and the driver starts to use their phone, I’ll politely remind them to stay focused. I’ve also offered to be the designated driver for friends if they plan to drink, or I encourage them to use a ride-sharing service instead. By speaking up, I hope to influence the people close to me to make safer choices on the road.

Driver education is one part of the puzzle, but I believe that change also happens in the small, everyday decisions we make behind the wheel. Through my own experiences, I’ve learned how quickly things can go wrong, and I try to do my part to prevent that from happening, both for myself and for others. By practicing safe driving and encouraging others to do the same, I hope to contribute to a culture where safety comes first—where we all help each other make responsible decisions and protect each other on the road.