Steering Between Two Worlds: A Latina’s Path to Safe Driving

When I moved to the United States, the last thing I expected was to learn how to drive so early. In Brazil, the minimum age is 18, so I had never even considered the idea of driving until I turned 18. But here in the U.S., at 16, I was already a licensed driver. And, well, I wasn’t ready for that! Imagine the scene: me, a newly arrived teenager in Kansas, completely lost in traffic with no idea how to deal with the streets, but with one thing on my mind… I needed a car. Public transportation is a “danger” in itself in this state, and let’s face it, no one here walks anywhere. So there I was, facing the responsibility of learning how to drive before I was even legally an adult.

Learning to drive felt like going from the childhood movie to the trailer of adult life. I never imagined something as simple as stepping on the gas pedal would change my perspective on the world. Back in Brazil, I saw the steering wheel as something “for adults,” but here, I discovered that at 16, I already had the power to control a machine that, while it meant freedom, also came with a lot of responsibility. My mom was the one who taught me how to drive — and I can honestly say, she was the best instructor possible. While in Brazil we have a bigger tradition of attending driving schools, here in the U.S., it’s more common to rely on your parents. And my mom, with her calm demeanor and attention to the road, taught me to respect what was around me. For her, every time I got behind the wheel, it felt like I was holding a weapon. “The car is like a weapon, you have to be careful,” she would say, which made me start to see every steering wheel and every road with a much more serious outlook. She also taught me to listen to the sounds of the road — yes, no blasting music — and to understand the signs, not just the ones on the street but from the people around me too.

But it wasn’t just my mom who helped me understand the risks of driving — I also learned this from experiences I’ve had and witnessed. I was driving one winter day when the ice caused my car to slide without me being able to do anything. I found myself, in seconds, completely out of control, watching my car slowly glide down a quiet street, wondering, “What’s going to happen now?”. The lucky part was that I was going at low speed, but the fear was real. I only realized how vulnerable we can be when behind the wheel, and how one split second can change everything. It doesn’t matter how prepared we think we are — the road is unpredictable. And the ice was just a reminder that any slip can have consequences. For me, it was a wake-up call.

This is where driving education comes in. Most traffic accidents, especially those involving young people, happen because we don’t fully understand the risks. I know teens who think the left lane on the highway is for speeding, and worse, some of my friends think it’s “normal” — it’s how they learned, like it’s an unwritten rule. Others still see driving while on the phone or driving after drinking as “okay.” And sadly, many of them are just one mistake away from becoming another statistic. I truly believe driving education should be more emphasized. When it comes to young people, it’s crucial that we learn early on to be responsible and respectful on the road. Driving isn’t just about being cool and comfortable behind the wheel; it’s about knowing that the choices we make can affect someone else’s life. The earlier we start teaching this, the more lives we can save.

Today, even though I’ve learned a lot from my mom, I still feel like the road teaches me something new every day. Personally, I try to stay focused — not always easy with the busy life and all the distractions around. The phone, for instance, continues to be a challenge. When I drive, I don’t look at it. It’s a matter of respect — first for my own safety, and second, for others. The education I received, and that I try to pass on to others, is that one distraction behind the wheel can be fatal. It’s simple: if we’re not in a position to drive responsibly, it’s better to leave the car behind or get help. I also try to be an example to my friends. Sometimes, I find myself having to scold someone for driving recklessly. And I know I’m not the only one who has the responsibility to change this culture. When it comes to road safety, we’re all responsible.

And speaking of responsibility, there’s something I learned quickly about pedestrian rights here — they really are treated like royalty! Back in Brazil, it’s more of a survival game, dodging cars like it’s a challenge. If you don’t look, you better be ready for some close calls. But here in the U.S., pedestrians stroll across the street without a second thought, even if cars are coming. It’s like they have a special pass that says, “I can walk whenever I want, and you, car, must stop.” It’s a bit shocking at first, but then you realize: this is a culture of respect. Pedestrians aren’t just participants in traffic; they’re kings and queens of the road.

Another funny thing I had to adjust to was the whole “right turn on red” situation. In Brazil, if you even think about turning on red, you’re breaking the rules and probably facing some serious judgment. But here? It’s like the green light of the pedestrian world—just another part of driving. At first, it felt like I was doing something wrong, like I was about to get pulled over for being confused. But after a few attempts, I realized, it’s like learning a new dance move. At first, it’s awkward, but eventually, you get the rhythm.

Driving early on may have been a surprise for me, but what I’ve learned since then is that the road is much more than freedom — it’s about making conscious choices and respecting others. If more people were educated to understand that the wheel carries with it a power that can affect lives, maybe the road would be a safer place. In the end, the most important thing is to remember that driving well is not just for ourselves but for everyone around us.