“You’re Need to Learn to drive better”

“You need to learn to drive better.” I was shocked. I was sixteen and had been praying about ways I could improve myself. There were so many things to choose from, and if I’m being completely honest, this didn’t seem that important. I already had my driver’s license. True, I had failed the test the first time, and maybe I wasn’t the best driver, but was this really something I needed to focus on? Of all the options for personal improvement, this was the prompting? Still, I took the prompting seriously. I started driving more often to gain confidence has I worked on improving my skills.

A couple of months later, my friend Dayna was diagnosed with a chronic illness that caused her to pass out at random moments. Because of this, her doctor took away her driver’s license. She was devastated. Her cute little car, we’d named Caby (shouldn’t all cars have a name?) now sat lonely in her driveway.

This meant we started taking Terrance (that was my car’s name – he happens to be an old Nissan Xterra I share with my siblings – hence the name Terrance.) Anyway, I became the DD—Dayna’s Driver. It wasn’t until later that my mom pointed out something I hadn’t considered: “Do you remember when you said you needed to learn to drive better? Maybe that happened because Dayna was going to lose her license, and someone needed to step up.” It was one of those rare moments when everything just made sense.

That experience taught me that driving is about more than just getting from one place to another—it’s a responsibility. Driver education plays a crucial role in reducing car accidents and saving lives. Many crashes happen due to distractions, inexperience, or overconfidence. Learning proper driving techniques, understanding road signs, and being aware of other drivers are all essential to preventing tragedies. Experience does matter. A well-trained driver can recognize hazards, react appropriately, and make smarter decisions on the road.

One of the most effective ways to reduce traffic-related deaths is to promote better driver education and emphasize the importance of distraction free driving. Schools should emphasize defensive driving, teaching students how to handle emergencies, avoid distractions, and respect speed limits. Additionally, enforcing seatbelt laws and discouraging reckless behaviors like texting while driving can save countless lives. Public awareness campaigns also help by reminding people of the dangers of irresponsible driving. But I believe one of the most important ways to remember these lessons, is how my mom reminds us all the time, ‘drive carefully, you have very precious cargo inside!” She says this whether it’s just me and my siblings or when I’m driving a car full of friends.

Even though I have never been in a severe car accident, unless you count a quadding accident that ended with several stitched. I have seen the effects of careless driving. I’ve had friends who drive too fast, check their phones while on the road, or take unnecessary risks. I remember one particular moment when a friend almost ran a red light because she was too busy laughing at something on her phone. Thankfully, she stopped just in time, but it was a wake-up call. It made me realize that even small mistakes behind the could have life altering consequences.

I didn’t know her but a girl my little brother went to school with died only a few weeks ago. She was already supposed to be home so trying to make up time when she decided to pass a car. What she didn’t see was the charter bus just about to crest the hill coming the opposite way. Four families heard the worst imaginable news that night. …Small mistakes behind the could have life altering consequences

To become a better and safer driver, I am committed to following the rules of the road, avoiding distractions, and practicing defensive driving. I will also encourage my friends and family to do the same. If I see someone driving irresponsibly, I won’t stay silent—I’ll speak up because their safety, and the safety of others, is too important to ignore.

My experience with Dayna showed me that being a responsible driver isn’t just about my own safety—it’s about being prepared to help others. Looking back, I realize now how important that lesson was. Whether it’s driving responsibly, helping someone in need, or simply making smart choices on the road, I want to be someone who makes a difference.

Driver education is more than just a requirement—it’s a life-saving tool. Through proper training, awareness, and personal responsibility, we can prevent accidents and protect lives. Every time we get behind the wheel, we have a choice: to drive safely or to take risks. I choose safety—not just for myself, but for everyone else on the road.