Racing Against Fate

Unease—that is one word that encapsulated my overflowing emotions in the milliseconds following the soundingly abrupt collision on the rear end of my vehicle. A series of shakes and shivers ran through my entire body, accompanied by a deep sense of dread as I prepared to assess the potential damage to the car. My brother, seated beside me, expressed anger, his eyes smoldering with fury. My only thought was, “What extent of damage has happened to the car?” As I stepped out and surveyed the scene, I found the damage to be relatively minor, and a profound sense of relief washed over me. It could have been far worse, I reflected. My brother and I, or even the other person could have sustained injuries, but fortunately, we hadn’t. I credit a sizable portion of the minority of the accident to the cessation of speeding on my part. If I had indeed been speeding, the collision would have been much more abrupt, leading to more major damage inflicted upon my car.

For context, the day was clear and sunny, and I was driving my brother and I to school, as I routinely did. A young woman did not stop at the intersection and collided with the rear of my car. Though the damage was minimal, I was overcome with a profound sense of anxiety when I later had to resume driving behind the wheel. However, following the accident, as I approached the other driver, I tried to remain composed. I understood that the mishap was not intentional, and I made a conscious effort to stay calm as well. I believe this composed demeanor provided a sense of reassurance and anxiety relief to the woman responsible for the collision, and I think this is a crucial point to remember in intense circumstances, especially involving driving.

I recall my Driver’s Ed instructor emphasizing the importance of staying “cool and calm” in case of an accident. Responding with anger or aggression could quickly escalate the situation, making it far worse. I consider this one of the most significant lessons I learned during my driving education. Had I not been taught that principle, I might have handled the situation far more poorly.

Furthermore, to elaborate on the specifics of the accident, the woman who struck my vehicle indeed failed to stop at the stop sign—something illegal and strongly discouraged by Driver’s Ed instructors. Prior to this incident, I, too, had occasionally rolled through stop signs. Afterward, however, I never did it again. Experiencing the consequences of such an action firsthand made it clear just how crucial it is to adhere to basic driving rules, without exception.

It is essential to teach fresh drivers to avoid rushing at all costs, if possible. Rolling or running a stop sign might save roughly 5 seconds, but is it worth the risk? Is it worth jeopardizing lives—potentially your own or someone else’s—to arrive a mere few seconds earlier? I can say without hesitation, no, it is not. I’ve coined a personal saying that I try to keep in mind while driving: “Roll, not rush.” This principle is crucial, as it serves as an important reminder to avoid uncalculated and potentially dangerous speed-related decisions behind the wheel. It is especially significant when considering that approximately 29% of all vehicle-related accidents are caused by speeding.

If drivers were to prioritize safety over the pursuit of time, I am certain there would be a sharp decline in speed-related fatalities. The proverb, ‘Better late than sorry,’ is a fundamental lesson that should not cease to be ingrained in driver’s education, and more crucially, it is a principle that students should consistently keep at the forefront of their minds when getting behind the wheel.

For added context, I’ve spent much of my life in a constant rush—rushing to grow up, to drive, to truly begin living. Much of this urgency stems from my youthful age in comparison to my fellow peers. I turned sixteen in October 2024, and I will be graduating at sixteen in May of 2025. This has led to me being the last in my grade to obtain a driver’s license, something I was eager to achieve. However, my driver’s education and the later accident imparted a profound lesson that is now engrained in my morals: life should be embraced at a measured pace. It is not meant to be hurried; rather, it is meant to be savored. The same applies to driving: one is not meant to exceed the pace set for safety and consideration, because the consequences can be profound and life-threatening.

Do not rush, it could cost a life.