The Road To A Safer Future

“F equals ma” My teacher said. In my physics class we learned about Newton’s three laws of motion using driving. At the time I was sixteen, my classmates and I were all in the process of learning how to drive and taking our G1 permit tests. My teacher really emphasized the extent of damage which rapid opposite acceleration and unbalanced forces can cause, using a car as the example. These lessons continued into how cars have been designed to reduce the likelihood of injury, using tools like seatbelt, airbags, and crumple zones. Because it was applicable to my life, this lesson really resonated with me and is something I regularly think about.

This is what I believe driver education needs to look like. It cannot just exist within the beige walls of your driving school or in the driver’s seat of your instructor’s car. Safety education needs to be all encompassing, not so that we fear the technology, but rather that we understand the weight of the power we yield seated behind the wheel.

The pillars of my driving journey have been practice and boundaries. Nothing can substitute the real thing, so whenever I have the opportunity to practice, I take it. So far this has just meant driving around a grocery store parking lot on a holiday, but it’s an important step towards building my confidence. Along the same lines, I plan to take my G2 test when I’m ready, not as soon as possible. It’s an important balance, I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone so I can improve, but I am also aware of the limits of my knowledge. Once aware of where my knowledge falls short, I try to find ways in which to expand upon it. Whether this means practicing the same skill over, and over again, or researching the topic. One strategy I have found to be helpful is actively narrating what I am doing while I am driving. This was something my father taught me to do, not only does it help ease any anxiety, but it also allows for him to know what I’m thinking, and how best he can support me.

As a passenger though, I try however I can to support the driver. This means not talking if I have been asked to let them focus, volunteering to read out directions, as well as handling music or messages for them so they can fully focus. I have seen that by removing external distractions, drivers are able to be fully focused, leading to a safer environment. While I have been fortunate enough to never experience an accident, I have seen the devastating aftermath, and the pain that reckless driving causes, and experienced the fear of almost being hit.

Throughout my entire life my parents have led by example, practicing responsible driving everyday. An example of this has been my best friend’s Christmas parties. Before she moved, her parents used to throw a massive holiday party at her house on Christmas eve where all their friends would gather. As her house wasn’t too far from mine, my parents always made us walk home or take a cab. While my brothers and I would beg to drive home because we were tired and cold, I now realize they did that to ensure we got home safe, because they knew they couldn’t predict the behavior or the headspace of the other drivers on the road.

Another manner in which my parents and relatives have demonstrated safety has been through regular checkups. It is rare that a car in good condition malfunctions in a manner that results in loss of life. More commonly, it is the result of preventable human error. Error which can only be circumnavigated by better knowledge, resulting from a strong foundation of education. This education has to go beyond what dotted versus dashed lines mean on the highway, or how closely behind a tram car you can drive in downtown Toronto, but also how to properly take care of your car. I believe the discussion around the mechanics is avoided, often because it’s considered a dry topic of conversation, or perhaps it’s taboo because of the price tag attached to services. Regardless of reason, it is critical we remember access is a privilege and not a right.

The way I see it, through greater appreciation and respect, as well as an open discourse regarding driving in all areas of our lives, we will begin to create a safer driving experience. It is only through the recognition of the significance of our actions and respect for the machine, that we can build a better future, one where less lives have been touched by driving related accidents.