Mirrors, Lights, Horn, Surroundings

Four things every driver needs to check before starting their journey. These are the things we inevitably forget to check the more comfortable we become with driving. Yet, their importance cannot be overstated.

When I check my mirrors, I’m reminded of what my dad told me before I started driving: “When you get in your car, you are not driving just to get from point A to point B, but you are driving for other people.” Every time I get behind the wheel, I am reminded that it’s not just my life or the lives of the people inside my car that I am responsible for—it’s also the lives of those in the car in front of me, next to me, and behind me. My parents have always been strict and conscientious about safe driving, and because of that, I try my best to set a good example for my younger brother.

When drivers check their mirrors, I hope they realize that at the end of their drive, they must be able to look themselves in the eye and know they handled the heavy machinery under their control responsibly. Encouraging integrity is key to safety and essential to reducing driving-related deaths.

When I check my lights, I’m reminded of the driver’s ed class. My driving instructor emphasized that people are often reckless drivers, and that one less is always better than one more. I remember the videos our instructor showed us, with flashing red and blue lights zooming across the screen, always signaling that a tragedy was about to occur—whether it was the loss of life, limb, or livelihood. I check my lights and remember that this fate could happen to anyone.. I wish I could say those lessons last forever, but as drivers become more comfortable, they are less likely to follow the rules they were once motivated to follow out of fear. Instead, I believe driver’s education schools would be more effective if, in addition to teaching the dangers of distracted and reckless driving, they also emphasized responsibility and empathy. The motivation for why you drive safely matters, and this mindset is crucial in reducing the number of driving-related casualties.

When I check my horn, I’m reminded that, as a driver, I now have an outsized impact. It’s my responsibility to use my voice—clearly and loudly—to ensure safe driving. The horn was built into the car as a protective mechanism, a way to alert others of your presence or their mistakes. When my younger brother is in the car, it’s my duty to keep my hands on the wheel and my eyes on the road. When cars around me are speeding or cutting people off in traffic, it’s my responsibility to drive defensively and follow the rules of the road. Horns serve as accountability tools, and when I’m with friends or family, I can also hold them accountable for their driving behavior. Accountability is essential for creating better and safer drivers.

When drivers check their horns, I hope they realize it’s not just a tool for expressing frustration, but a way to communicate and remind everyone of our shared responsibility on the road.

When I check my surroundings, I’m reminded of the time my mom’s car was rear-ended because the driver behind us wasn’t paying attention. We were in the middle lane when the left-turning lane signal turned green. Suddenly, the car behind us jerked forward and hit us from behind. Fortunately, no one was injured, but it was a long night dealing with insurance and check-ups at the hospital (I had just recovered from a concussion, so my parents were understandably concerned when I started complaining of headaches and neck pain again). I wasn’t driving at the time, but it made me vow to always be aware of what’s around me. If others need a wake-up call to change their driving behavior, I recommend contacting their local fire department to see if they have car crash simulators. My county’s fire department brought one to a Law Enforcement night, and it was an eye-opening experience, showing me the ice-cold fear that grips you in such a situation. Many people have told me that whatever appointment or event is at their destination can wait. What can’t wait, however, is your observational skills, situational awareness, and quick reaction time. Teaching these skills will lead to safer drivers everywhere.

Mirrors. Lights. Horns. Surroundings.

Four essential things that represent more than just their placement in relation to the car. Four mindsets that I submit are solutions to reckless driving.