When I first started driving, I never really thought about the technology in my car. My car was old, no lane departure warnings, no automatic braking systems, just the basics. At the time, driving felt simple: just get in, drive, and be mindful of the road. But everything changed last year when I had the chance to drive a newer car with all the high-tech features I’d never experienced before. I was amazed. The car had lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, the works. And, surprisingly, I felt safer with these new tools. It really made me realize how much technology has transformed driving, making it easier and, most importantly, safer.

For someone like me, who has a visual impairment and is legally blind in my right eye, the importance of these technologies became even clearer. I’ve always had to be more cautious when I drive. My left eye is my dominant eye, but it still has its limitations, and I can’t rely on it fully for depth perception. For years, I’ve been adapting to these challenges, always checking my mirrors more, always scanning the road carefully. It’s part of being a responsible driver when you don’t have the full range of vision that others might take for granted. One experience stands out that really made me appreciate the tech in newer cars. I was on my way to LSAT practice, feeling completely overwhelmed. Between the stress of studying, the pressure of preparing for the test, and just trying to juggle everything in life, I wasn’t exactly in the best frame of mind to be driving. It was one of those days where everything felt like it was too much. As I was driving, I sneezed, something so small, but it ended up causing a problem. In the process, my right contact lens shifted, and suddenly my vision was blurry in my dominant eye. I was relying on my left eye to guide me, but even that wasn’t perfect.

In that moment, I started to panic a bit. I couldn’t see as clearly as I needed to, and my anxiety was creeping up. But then, the car’s lane departure warning system kicked in. It buzzed and vibrated, letting me know I was drifting out of my lane. At that moment, it felt like a lifeline. The car was essentially telling me, “Hey, you need to focus, and here’s a little reminder.” I was grateful for that little nudge, especially when I was feeling off balance. The car’s blind-spot monitoring system also helped me. I was in the middle lane, and a car was approaching too fast from behind. The system lit up on the side mirror, warning me that someone was in my blind spot. Without that warning, I might’ve made a mistake trying to change lanes or misjudged the distance.

These technologies didn’t just make the drive more convenient; they helped me stay safe, even when I wasn’t feeling my best. And that’s something I’ve come to rely on. When you’re visually impaired, the little things matter. It’s not just about seeing the road—it’s about seeing your limitations and knowing how to work around them. For me, these safety features are more than just fancy gadgets. They’re a crucial part of my ability to drive safely. However, I also know that while technology is incredibly helpful, it can be a double-edged sword. Modern cars come with a lot of distractions, like touchscreens, GPS, and entertainment systems. Sometimes I catch myself fiddling with the controls, which can be dangerous if I’m not paying attention. It’s a reminder that no matter how smart our cars get; we still have to stay focused behind the wheel.

Technology is there to assist us, but we can’t let it replace our own responsibility.