Why leave out the bikes???

“Wow, that was a great workout,” I think as I swing one leg over my motorcycle. I buckle my helmet and turn on the Bluetooth, hearing the buzz of the connection in my ear. I start up the bike, and the deep rumble of the engine fills the quiet evening air. The cool wind rushes past me as I glide through the Utah summer night, the setting sun painting the sky with shades of pink and red. The feeling of freedom is unmatched as the road stretches ahead, clear and empty. I savor the moment—until, five minutes into my ride, a car suddenly pulls out in front of me.

My heart leaps into my throat as I slam on the brakes. The back wheel fishtails as I struggle to maintain control. Time slows down, but somehow, I manage to swerve just enough to avoid the car by mere inches. The tires stop screeching, and I feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. After a few tense seconds, I regain my balance, and the car drives off, seemingly oblivious to what just took place. With my heart still pounding, I finish the ride home, shaken but grateful, reflecting in silence as the road unwinds beneath me.

That near-miss was a terrifying reminder of how quickly things can go wrong on the road. Whether you’re on two wheels or four, the dangers of driving are ever-present. Motorcyclists, in particular, are especially vulnerable. They don’t have the steel cage of a car to protect them, and they often struggle with visibility, especially in low-light conditions or high-traffic areas. That same risk applies to all of us. Every time we get behind the wheel, we’re participating in an activity that can result in life-or-death consequences. And when accidents happen, the results are often devastating.

This is why driver education is so crucial. It’s not just about teaching people how to operate a vehicle—it’s about equipping them with the knowledge and skills to drive responsibly and safely. By understanding the rules of the road and how their actions affect others, drivers can help prevent accidents, reduce fatalities, and keep everyone on the road safe. We’ve all heard the statistics about car accidents, but the real question is: how can we reduce the number of deaths that result from these incidents?

One step is to improve driver education, making it more comprehensive and accessible. While basic driving courses cover the fundamentals, many drivers get bare minimum training. A more rigorous, ongoing education about the dangers of distracted driving, the importance of obeying speed limits, and how to respond in an emergency could save lives. Additionally, educating drivers about sharing the road with motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians is just as important. Many accidents happen simply because drivers aren’t aware of other road users, or they fail to give them enough space.

In addition to education, there are practical steps we can take to reduce the number of road deaths. For instance, improving infrastructure by adding better signage, clearer road markings, and more effective lighting can make a big difference in increasing visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.

I’ve personally experienced the consequences of irresponsible driving. While I’ve never been in a serious accident I do have an uncle who died because of drowsy driving. These accidents are frightening, and it’s sobering to think about how one moment of carelessness could change a life forever. I always remind my friends to drive responsibly, but sometimes it feels like there’s only so much I can do. We must remember that driving is a shared responsibility, and everyone has to be on the same page when it comes to road safety.

To be a better driver, I’ve made a point to stay focused and practice defensive driving. I always avoid distractions and stay alert for pedestrians and other potential hazards. When I’m behind the wheel, I’m not just thinking about myself, I’m thinking about the other people on the road, too. I believe that if more people followed this mindset, we could prevent countless accidents. But beyond my own habits, I try to share this with those around me. I remind my friends and family to always stay focused, avoid using their phones, and be mindful of the people they share the road with. We can all take small actions to make the road a safer place for everyone.

Reflecting on that near-miss on my motorcycle, I realize how important it is to stay vigilant, not only when I’m riding but also when I’m driving. The importance of driver education cannot be overstated—it’s not just about learning to drive; it’s about learning to drive safely. If we take the time to educate ourselves and others, we can reduce the number of deaths caused by reckless driving and make the roads a safer place for everyone. The road is shared by many, and it’s up to all of us to drive responsibly.