The Road We Travel Together

The sound of an engine, vibrations of the tires when driving, and the ability to drive are special break throughs in independence. Yet, behind this simple act lies the stark reality: car accidents are one of the largest killers on this planet. As the curtain draws, we know that in a single moment, one can wreck people’s lives beyond repair, and inflict irreparable pain. This is the reason that driving education is not just a mere process but survival kit. This is the step towards lessening the painful rate of road accidents, something that we have a duty to the society.

Driver education is one of the mandates to achieving better roads. [The cars] are far more complex than the basic knowledge of parallel parking or how to join in the traffic. It first teaches us things that can actually help save our lives such as avoiding distractions, rear end collisions, and how to handle emergency situations. Education enables a driver to be wise enough to prevent every likely danger on the road. Every decision made by a well-taught driver behind the wheel, affects not only them but everyone in society. When driver education is holistic, the effect flows in both directions and expands an overall safety culture beyond the driver himself.

Existing research on vehicle safety and road engineering show that human error is still the dominant factor in accidents. But what can be done to decrease the number of fatalities attributable to driving cars? It begins with compliance and sensitisation. Tougher penalties against reckless and drugged or drunk driving, combined with awareness programs revealing real-life implications of recklessness, could save thousands of lives. Others include; changing the design of dangerous intersection, better traffic signs, and even use of devices such as speed limiters and collision detection systems. Nevertheless, the most significant shift is revealed from our side, that is the drivers. It is therefore upon us to be careful when we are on the wheel and encourage other to exercise caution.

I know this because I have witnessed acts of the reckless driving resulting to to unpleasant incidents. One day several years ago, my then young cousin, heady with the combined power of youth and testosterone, was driving home after a night out. This he alleges that he lost control of his car, took a moment and landed into a tree. He survived by a whisker, but the outcomes; physical and psychological remain with him to this date. Seeing my family work together to support him in his recovery experience was the worst and it just made me realize that life is so valuable and such a catastrophe can be prevented. That was a shock for me, and, I can’t look at driving the same way now.

Relating the concept of Kantian ethical to the task of driving I pledge my commitment in reducing extreme risks on the roads. I found this goes a long way beyond the rules regarding speed limits, or wearing seatbelts. It is about being tolerant when someone is moving slowly in front, getting out of the car when I am feeling tired and suing common-sense not to drive when I am tired or angry. It is also about signaling to other people especially the young drivers to emulate them because they copy from their seniors. I will ensure that I make them understand that nothing is more important than safety and that I will help start a cycle that will make them own responsibility.

At the end of the day, the road is accessible to all and therefore the safety of users is the recommendation of all. It should be noted that we must steer not only professionally but also realizing that somewhere’s life: a father going home to his children, a teenager pursuing a dream, a mother on her errands for her family. All decisions which are made while behind the wheel, have the power to build or destroy. Driver education is important but the lives of our roads depend on the decisions people make daily.

So, I ask you to reflect. What type of driver are you going to be? Will you allow distractions to make decisions for you or will you treat each mile as valuable? Altogether, nobody can build a smoother road with lesser accidents for ourselves and future generations. Daily, most get on the road, but few take the efforts to ensure that it remains not only passable but safe to traverse.