Brake-Checking Reality: Lessons in Responsibility Behind the Wheel

Getting my license was something I’d looked forward to for years, but the reality of being a driver hit me a lot harder than I expected. Just a few months after I got my license, I saw how quickly things can spiral out of control on the road. I was leaving school one afternoon when two cars filled with students pulled into the parking lot after brake-checking each other down the road. They swerved and sped, each driver trying to “one-up” the other, with everyone in the car egging them on. By the time they got to the parking lot, their “game” had turned into an all-out fight. They got out of their cars, and it wasn’t long before they were throwing punches and yelling – right there in front of everyone.

Seeing them go from brake-checking to fighting was a wake-up call. It showed me that what might seem like “just playing around” or “showing off” can have huge consequences. They didn’t get seriously hurt, but it could’ve ended very differently. If either of those drivers had lost control, even for a second, they could have crashed into another car, hit someone walking, or even flipped. A serious accident was avoided, but the risk was real. And because of the fight, the students involved were facing suspension and could even be kicked out of school, which would impact everything from their grades to their future college plans.

This wasn’t just a one-time thing, either. I see distracted and reckless driving all the time at school events, while leaving track meets, or on the road heading home. Teen drivers often think we’re invincible, like nothing could ever go wrong for us. But watching that parking lot fight made me realize that the choices we make behind the wheel affect everyone – not just us but our friends, our families, and even people we don’t know who happen to be on the road.

That experience also got me thinking about how unprepared many young drivers are for the responsibility of driving. Driver’s ed helped me realize how important it is to stay focused and control my emotions behind the wheel. During my course, we watched videos of real-life accidents and heard stories from people who had lost loved ones to distracted driving. One stat from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stood out to me: texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times. That’s a huge number, and it made me realize that just a few seconds of distraction can change lives forever.

So now, whenever I drive, I think about all those things. Before I start the car, I set my GPS, put my phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode, and make sure everyone’s buckled up. If I’m feeling even a little bit distracted or tired, I’ll wait a few minutes before driving. I want to be safe for myself, my friends, and everyone on the road.

But it’s not just about my own choices. After seeing how dangerous things can get, I think peer accountability is super important too. As a LINK Leader at school, I’ve learned how much of an impact we can have on each other just by speaking up. I’ve made it a point to encourage my friends to drive carefully, and if I see them getting distracted or speeding, I’ll call them out. It might feel awkward at the moment, but I’d rather have an uncomfortable conversation than see someone get hurt or worse. Sometimes, I’ll even remind people of what happened with those students who got into the fight. No one wants to end up suspended or kicked out over something that could have been avoided.

I also think technology can be a big help. Features like “Do Not Disturb” on phones or apps that block notifications while driving are simple but effective. If we make these tools part of our routine, it’s one less temptation to check our phones while driving. I try to spread the word about these tools, like mentioning them in my LINK Leader meetings or even just bringing them up in group chats.

At the end of the day, the freedom to drive comes with a huge responsibility. When I think back to that day in the parking lot, I realize that even small choices – like brake-checking or picking up a phone – can lead to serious consequences, including fights, accidents, or even jeopardizing our futures. Driving safely isn’t just about avoiding an accident; it’s about protecting ourselves, taking care of our friends, and reour community. By staying focused and looking out for each other, we can make the roads safer for everyone and keep moments like that one in the parking lot from becoming something far worse.