That song is good, but your life is better!

Driver education plays a key role in reducing fatalities from driving accidents. It helps new drivers learn the law, how to drive safely, and how to deal with emergencies. By understanding these skills, drivers can avoid dangerous behaviors such as speeding, reckless driving, or drinking and driving. Education also increases awareness of the consequences of distraction, which can encourage drivers to make more informed decisions. Studies show that educated drivers are less likely to be involved in accidents, ultimately reducing the number of road deaths and injuries. Driving education not only saves lives, it also instills responsibility and confidence in drivers, thus contributing to a safer society as a whole.

As a new driver, it can be very exciting to just jump in the car and start driving to your destination, but did you know that, according to research done by ALA insurance, just 1 in 5 new drivers have been involved in an accident the first year of the driving? I, unfortunately, happened to be the 1 in 5 who got into an accident and nearly lost my life, however, that would be told later in the writing. As drivers, we can take several steps to help reduce the number of fatalities that occur while driving. Firstly, learning to drive safely through driving lessons is important to avoid bad road manners. Following traffic laws such as not speeding, not paying attention, not drinking, and driving can help prevent accidents and save lives. Always wearing a seat belt and encouraging your friends to do the same can reduce injuries in a crash. Promoting public awareness of road safety and spreading awareness among peers can have a significant impact. Additionally, choosing a safe car with advanced features such as automatic parking and lane assist can add layer of protection if possible. Finally, as drivers, we can encourage the use of safe roads wherever we cycle, walk, or use public transportation to create a safer environment for everyone.

On February 25, 2021, I woke up super excited as it was my 16th birthday, only having one thing on my mind: I can drive now! I remember having a conversation with my parents about the safety of driving and what I needed to do and learn, but honestly, all I heard was “ BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, you can drive now.” When I told you I was so excited about this day, I really was. I had taken my driver’s education class, did the tests, and passed, and in my head, I was definitely a pro. I woke up that morning, with my dad’s keys in my hands ready to drive. I got in the car, started it, checked my mirrors, and put my seatbelt on, “Check, check, and check” is what I said as I remembered what my driver’s ed teacher, Ms. Rolen, had said to do when I got in a car. I wanted to drive to Target, as it was my favorite place to shop, so I got on the road. I was blasting Taylor Swift and SZA, just enjoying the breeze because I finally got to drive by myself! That was until all of a sudden everything started moving in slow motion and everything started to fade. I could hear honking, glass shattering, and the fading music of SZA singing. I remember seeing little to nothing a few seconds after and then everything went blank. I woke up in a hospital with noisy machines, my dad on the phone, and my mother and sister crying. In confusion, I asked what was going on. My little sister, who hardly showed emotions, was crying and told me that I had gotten into an accident. As I was singing in the car I passed a red light without realizing and a car came from my right side and hit me going 55 mph on a 35 mph road. I was devastated. My birthday and the first day of driving independently were all ruined because I didn’t pay attention to the road for a short 3 seconds. That’s when I realized that’s how fast things can change behind the wheel. With all the knowledge I had about driving, the short moment of not paying attention to the road made me feel like I knew nothing. That’s how fast your life can change without the proper safety measures of driving.

All in all, what I learned to become a better driver was that to be a better and safer driver, I can start to obey all the rules of the road to become a better, safer driver, such as obeying the speed limit, using my flashing lights, and stopping at stop signs. Avoiding distractions like texting or using your phone while driving or even singing songs by Talor Swift and SZA is also important to stay on the road. I can prioritize safety by always wearing my seat belt and ensuring that other passengers do the same. I can set a good example by adopting safe driving habits to help others stay safe on the road and encourage my friends and family to do the same. Sharing awareness of the dangers that negatively impact driving, such as speeding or drinking and driving, can also play a role. I was finally able to warn of a dangerous situation and take action to protect not only myself but everyone else on the road by not being selfish and just thinking of myself on the road.