In the Driver’s Seat: Taking Responsibility for the Road

Every year, over 34,000 individuals in the United States die in vehicle accidents. To put that in perspective, it is more than the total number of American soldiers killed in both the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. If you believe that number is alarming, here’s another one: In only two years, more people passed away in vehicle accidents than throughout the Vietnam War. It’s sort of crazy to think about, right? Every year, hundreds of lives are lost as a result of something we all do on a regular basis. I don’t think the troops risked their lives for us to be playing with ours on the daily. For many of us, driving is just part of the routine: we get in the vehicle, turn on our playlist, and go. But driving is perilous. And the truth is, we need to take it more seriously.

Let’s be honest: when we turn 16 and obtain our license, all we want is the freedom that comes with it. I remember the first time I drove alone—I felt like I had earned my place in the world, driving down the street as if I were invincible. But then, real life struck. It didn’t take long for me to learn that driving involves more than just going from A to B. It’s about making split-second judgments that can set the difference between a safe travel and a disaster.

My first vehicle accident was not very severe, but it taught me a valuable lesson. I was driving on a busy street, and I was in a rush—late to meet friends, trying to squeeze through a light. I didn’t see the car coming from the other direction, and before I knew it, they slammed into my side. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the damage to both cars was enough to make me stop and think: “Was all that rushing worth it?”

That accident taught me something I’ll never forget: taking your time is way more important than getting somewhere fast. I realized that nothing is worth risking safety over. Now, I’m a lot more patient on the road, and I focus more on driving calmly and responsibly, knowing that being a few minutes late is far better than dealing with the consequences of a crash.

Driver education is more than simply the dull material we learned in class; it is the cornerstone of our road safety. Sure, you passed your driving exam, but what matters is your defensive driving abilities, understanding how to deal with distractions, and knowing what to do in an emergency. Driver education has the potential to save many lives.

When something goes wrong on the road, it is simple to blame the other driver. I’ve found myself cursing the guy who cut me off or yelling at someone who was texting at a stoplight. But, in many cases, we are equally culpable. There’s a lot we can do to make driving safer for everyone, and a lot of it depends on making smarter decisions.

First off, we’ve got to get real about distractions. We all know how tempting it is to check our phones while driving—whether it’s for a quick text or to scroll through social media. But when you’re looking at a screen instead of the road, you’re putting yourself and everyone around you at risk. I’ve made the habit of putting my phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode when I’m driving. It sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer. It’s the little things like that—putting down the phone, staying focused on the road—that can make a huge difference.

Let me be honest for a second: I’ve had a close call behind the wheel. One day, a buddy of mine was texting while driving and accidentally ran a red light. She just escaped hitting another automobile. My pulse raced in the backseat, and time seemed to slow down. I can’t tell you how horrifying it was to think about how near we were to a major accident. That moment struck home for me. It’s tempting to believe we’re indestructible while we’re young, but that day reminded me how fast things can go wrong.

It wasn’t just her texting; we were all preoccupied, thinking about anything other than the road. Ever since then, I’ve taken my driving a lot more seriously. So, now, I try to be the responsible one who says, “Hey, let’s focus on the road.”

Technology also has our backs. From lane assist features to automatic emergency braking, the tech in our cars can save lives. Even if you’re not an expert in car gadgets, these tools can help keep you out of a dangerous situation. And let’s not forget about speed limits. I get it—sometimes we’re in a rush, but speeding isn’t just reckless—it’s deadly. Following the speed limit isn’t just a rule; it’s there to protect us.

Also, we can’t ignore how bad habits, like drunk driving or ignoring seatbelts, contribute to the death toll. If you’re ever tempted to drive after drinking or if you’ve got a friend who’s thinking about it, don’t be afraid to speak up. It could save a life.

Driving is a significant responsibility, and it is up to all of us to take it seriously. It’s more than just obeying the rules or passing a test; it’s about realizing that one bad decision may alter everything. Driver education, paying attention to our surroundings, and making better decisions are all ways we may prevent accidents and save lives.

I understand that we all have to drive, but it does not imply we should take it lightly. So, the next time you get behind the wheel, consider the lives that may be impacted—yours, your friends, and your family’s—and remember that your decisions count. We’re all sharing the road, and the best way to keep it safer is to do our share each time we drive.