It’s okay to take the next exit.

There’s a saying I heard when I first started learning to drive: “A good driver often misses their turn, but a bad driver never does.” At first, it seemed like just another driving tip, but over time, I realized it’s about so much more than taking a wrong turn. It’s about making safe decisions, even when they’re inconvenient or embarrassing, because the cost of a reckless choice can be far greater than we imagine. I didn’t understand the weight of those words until I started driving regularly and faced real-life situations that could have easily turned into disasters.

Driver education is something I didn’t take seriously at first. I thought driving was mostly common sense—follow the signs, stay in your lane, and don’t go too fast. I was excited to get behind the wheel, believing I already knew everything I needed. But during my lessons with my older brother, I realized how much I didn’t know. I remember him emphasizing defensive driving and explaining how small mistakes, such as checking your phone for a second or rushing through a yellow light, could have disastrous consequences. His words carried extra weight because he had been in two crashes before, both caused by other drivers who weren’t paying attention. Hearing his firsthand experiences made me take driver education much more seriously. That was when I realized it wasn’t just about learning how to operate a car but about developing habits that keep everyone safe on the road.

I’ll never forget one story my brother shared about a crash that left him shaken for weeks. He had been driving through an intersection on a green light when another car ran the red light and slammed into his side. Thankfully, he was okay, but the car was totaled. The other driver admitted to being distracted by their phone. Hearing that story stuck with me, and it’s one of the reasons I’m adamant about avoiding distractions when I drive. It’s not just about keeping myself safe; it’s about protecting everyone else on the road, too.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to prevent all accidents on the road. Every year, thousands of lives are lost due to carelessness. However, driver education helps reduce those numbers. It teaches skills like defensive driving, how to respond to emergencies, and the importance of staying focused. It also makes you more aware of risks, like the dangers of speeding, drinking and driving, or using your phone while driving. Most importantly, it teaches you to adapt to unpredictable drivers who make irrational decisions, endangering everyone on the road. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to expect the unexpected—whether it’s a car cutting you off or a pedestrian suddenly stepping onto the street. These lessons might seem basic, but they make a huge difference in real-life situations.

I know firsthand what can happen when driving isn’t taken seriously. I’ve been driving for almost three years now, and I’ve had my share of close calls. When I first started, I made the mistake of wanting to show off to a friend once, going over the speed limit. I was driving on the freeway when another car, also speeding, swerved toward my lane. In a split second, I had to switch lanes to avoid a collision. Luckily, there wasn’t a car in the other lane, and no accident occurred. That moment shook me to my core. I kept thinking about what could have happened if I hadn’t reacted quickly or if the other lane had been occupied. It was a wake-up call, and since then, I’ve made it a point to follow the speed limit and avoid giving in to peer pressure to drive recklessly.

Another memorable experience was when I slid on ice during a winter storm. I was approaching a stop sign, but the car didn’t stop in time, and I lightly bumped into the car in front of me. Fortunately, no damage was done, and the other driver was understanding. But that incident taught me how critical it is to adjust my driving to road conditions. Now, whenever it snows, I make sure to leave earlier and drive slower than usual to avoid putting myself or others at risk.

To be a better driver, I’ve committed to certain habits. I always focus on the road and avoid distractions. If I need to use my phone, I pull over. I also try to stay patient—whether it’s waiting for a pedestrian to cross or letting another driver merge—even when I’m in a hurry. I’ve learned that rushing only increases the chances of making mistakes. When I’m a passenger and see someone driving aggressively or texting, I don’t hesitate to call them out. It’s uncomfortable sometimes, but I’d rather speak up than risk a tragic outcome. My family knows this about me now, and they’ve started paying more attention to their own driving habits.

Driving is a privilege, not a right, and it comes with the responsibility to protect not only yourself but everyone around you. Every time I get behind the wheel, I remind myself of that saying about good drivers missing their turn. It’s better to take the long way around than to take a risk that could end in tragedy. By being cautious, learning from driver education, and encouraging others to do the same, we can make the roads a safer place for everyone.

When I think about the responsibility of driving, I remember my brother’s story and my own experiences. I know how easily things can go wrong, but I also know how much difference small, thoughtful decisions can make. Every time I drive, I try to set an example for others, whether it’s by staying calm in traffic, stopping fully at a stop sign, or simply being courteous. Driving safely isn’t just about rules; it’s about respecting the lives of everyone around you. And that, more than anything, is what I believe good driving is all about.