Driver Education Initiative Award: In the Driver’s Seat

Driving has become one of the most common activities in our lives, whether directly or indirectly. Even if you’re not the driver of the Amazon truck heading to your home to deliver a new gadget, you’re affected by it. Yet driving remains one of the most dangerous forms of transportation, with thousands of lives lost each year in car accidents. The importance of driver education cannot be overstated. An educated driver is, after all, a safer driver. Just as we trust a surgeon to be highly trained, we should also emphasize the need for drivers to be thoroughly educated on the rules, risks, and responsibilities of being on the road. This education is especially crucial for young drivers, who often lack the experience needed to handle and anticipate dangerous situations.

Driver education goes far beyond teaching the mechanics of driving. It instills an understanding of the potential consequences of our actions behind the wheel and fosters respect for the safety of everyone on the road. Unfortunately, many young drivers aren’t fully aware of the impact of their decisions—whether it’s texting, speeding, or making risky moves like reversing on the highway. With teenagers representing one of the highest-risk groups for traffic fatalities, it’s clear that education on these dangers is essential. For example, nearly 45% of driving-related deaths involve alcohol, a statistic that highlights the need for continuous public awareness and driver education, especially for young drivers who may lack the maturity and caution required in high-risk situations.

My own experiences have taught me vivid, sometimes painful lessons about the importance of driver safety. Over the years, I’ve encountered close calls and eye-opening incidents that have shaped my understanding of how quickly life can change behind the wheel or even as a pedestrian. Growing up in Jamaica, I experienced two separate incidents between the ages of eight and twelve where I was struck by cars while crossing the road without looking carefully in both directions. Thankfully, my injuries weren’t severe, but these events made me acutely aware of the need to stay alert, whether as a driver or pedestrian.

Not everyone in my life has been as fortunate. My cousin Shantel, who was only 23, tragically lost her life in a preventable accident. She had just arrived at her university, stepped out of her taxi, and crossed the road without looking—only to be fatally struck by an oncoming vehicle. Her passing remains a sobering reminder of how quickly accidents can happen and the irreversible consequences they can carry. The loss of her life sent ripples through her family, friends, and the driver’s family as well. Shantel’s memory stays with me, serving as both a warning and a motivation to stay safe and aware on the road and to remind others to do the same.

Later in life, I continued to experience firsthand how unpredictable driving can be. While living in Florida, I once had to swerve suddenly to avoid hitting a deer that darted onto the road, only to crash headfirst into a tree. Another time, I was a passenger as my mother accidentally turned into oncoming traffic during a hectic morning commute, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision. Each of these situations reinforced for me the constant need for awareness, whether as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian.

One experience that stands out involved a friend’s dangerous decision on the interstate. We were driving together when my friend missed their exit. Instead of continuing to the next one, they quickly pulled over to the shoulder, shifted into reverse, and began backing up toward the missed exit. Shocked, I said, “You know you can’t do that, right?” My friend’s response, “Why not?” made me realize they weren’t fully educated on the basic principles of driving safety. Recognizing the risk, I insisted on taking over the driving for the rest of the trip, explaining why reversing on the shoulder of an interstate was not only illegal but extremely dangerous. Fortunately, they were open to the constructive criticism, and we were able to discuss the importance of safe driving practices. This moment underscored for me the critical role driver education plays in helping people understand not only the rules of the road but also the reasons behind them.

Driver education should go beyond simply passing a test. It should foster a deeper understanding of how serious and far-reaching the consequences of poor decisions can be. To make our roads safer, we need to encourage a culture where people hold each other accountable for reckless actions. When I’m a passenger, I sometimes hesitate to mention unsafe behaviors, but calling them out in real time can be an effective way to enforce safer habits. If, for instance, a friend is speeding or texting while driving, addressing it on the spot can help prevent dangerous behavior from becoming a habit. Additionally, drivers should make pre-vehicle checks a regular part of their routine, such as ensuring tires are inflated, mirrors are positioned correctly, and lights are functioning. These small steps may seem basic, but they play a vital role in promoting road safety.

Driver education is a powerful tool for change, and I believe it should begin well before a person is legally old enough to drive. By instilling an understanding of road safety principles in young people, we set the foundation for responsible behavior when they finally do get behind the wheel. Educational campaigns should go beyond just the mechanics of driving; they should dive into real-life scenarios, consequences, and the ripple effect that reckless behavior can have on families and communities. To truly reduce the number of driving-related deaths, we need to reach a place where every driver approaches the road with a sense of responsibility and a clear understanding of the stakes.

In the end, safer roads depend on each of us taking responsibility for our actions and remaining committed to the safety of others. Every time I get into a car, I’m reminded of the importance of vigilance and caution. My own experiences have shown me the impact that both education and awareness can have on our actions behind the wheel. Driver education provides us with the tools to anticipate and avoid dangers, instilling habits that protect not only ourselves but everyone sharing the road with us.

As I continue to grow as a driver, I am committed to upholding these principles. I will prioritize safe driving practices, continue learning from my experiences, and make a conscious effort to encourage others to be safer, too. For me, this goes beyond personal responsibility; it’s about contributing to a broader culture of safety on the road. Each of us has a role to play, and by working together, we can build a safer environment—one driver, one decision, one mile at a time.