The Road to Responsibility

I have been a licensed driver for almost two years now and have been fortunate to have never been involved in an accident (knock on wood). I attribute this relative success as a new driver to a combination of education, a naturally cautious personality, and a strong sense of responsibility—qualities that, unfortunately, many of my peers seem to lack. While driver’s education played a role in my preparation, I found that my formal training was less than adequate in truly teaching me how to be a good driver, especially from a textbook standpoint. The most valuable lessons I learned came not from the classroom but from real-world driving experience with a knowledgeable mentor in the passenger seat.

The ability to practice driving in a controlled environment, under the supervision of an experienced driver, provided me with skills and insights that a classroom could never fully convey. When I was fulfilling my 50 hours of driving requirement to get a licence, I had many long hours to talk with my mentors and parents on driving and how to deal with certain situations. I remember driving through downtown Denver with an instructor and going down narrow, one way streets where you could turn left on red. We spent the better part of 30 minutes discussing how that worked, and how to behave in such a cramped and busy environment with such different rules. However, not all young drivers receive this level of mentorship, and their driving skills suffer as a result. Many new drivers are simply not given enough time behind the wheel before being granted the responsibility of driving alone. This lack of experience can lead to dangerous driving habits that increase the risk of accidents. To address this, I strongly believe that all new drivers, regardless of age, should be required to go through a comprehensive driver’s education program that emphasizes hands-on experience. It should include extensive supervised driving practice in a variety of conditions, from highways to city streets, to ensure that drivers are prepared for real-world challenges.

Furthermore, the current testing process for obtaining a driver’s license should be far more rigorous. The written and practical tests should be designed not only to evaluate a driver’s ability to follow traffic laws but also to assess their decision-making skills in high-pressure situations. My paper test for my permit was ridiculously easy, and didn’t make any mention of how to deal with complex scenarios, only what certain signs and alerts in my car meant. My practical examination for my license was even easier, and did not put my knowledge to the test whatsoever. By increasing test rigor, we can weed out individuals who are not yet ready to handle the responsibility of driving. In addition, periodic reassessments after obtaining a license could be beneficial in maintaining road safety. These follow-up tests could help ensure that drivers do not develop bad habits over time and that they remain knowledgeable about updated traffic laws and safety measures.

Although I have never been in an accident myself, I have encountered numerous difficult driving scenarios where I have managed to escape unscathed—sometimes through skill, but often through sheer luck. Unfortunately, many of my peers do not approach driving with the same level of caution. Some of my friends engage in reckless behavior on the road, treating speed limits as mere suggestions rather than legal restrictions. One friend in particular takes pride in driving 80 miles per hour in areas where the posted speed limit is only 30 to 40 miles per hour. Another was pulled over for exceeding the speed limit by 35 miles per hour simply because he was not paying attention.

Even more concerning is the way that reckless driving is often glorified within social circles. Those who drive dangerously, specifically my friends, are often praised or admired by their peers, reinforcing a culture where risky behavior behind the wheel is not only accepted but encouraged. Many of my friends and family members have been in fender benders—some due to their own mistakes, others as a result of factors beyond their control. Fortunately, none have been involved in fatal crashes, but it is only a matter of time before reckless driving leads to tragedy.

As a driver, I recognize that I have a responsibility not only to myself but also to those around me. Every time I step into a vehicle, I must remind myself that I am operating a powerful machine that, if misused, can have deadly consequences. Over time, I have noticed that I have become more relaxed behind the wheel, and I must make a conscious effort to maintain the level of vigilance I had when I first started driving. Complacency can be just as dangerous as recklessness, and I need to ensure that I remain alert at all times.

Beyond improving my own driving habits, I also have a duty to influence those around me. When I see friends engaging in dangerous behavior on the road, I need to speak up and help them understand the risks they are taking. Rather than brushing off their reckless actions as youthful mistakes, I need to have honest conversations with them about the real dangers of irresponsible driving. I must make it clear that speeding and other reckless behaviors are not achievements to be proud of—they are life-threatening risks that could have irreversible consequences. My goal is to reach my peers on an emotional level, making them realize that their actions not only endanger themselves but also everyone else on the road. No one wants to see a friend or loved one injured or killed in a preventable accident, and sometimes, a personal conversation can be the wake-up call that someone needs to change their behavior. My good friend who enjoys going excessively over speed limits is an accomplished track athlete, and reminding him of the threat that a crash may take away his ability to run may help him realize how dangerous driving is.

Driving is an inherently complex and unpredictable activity. There are countless variables that can affect any given situation, and the only way to stay safe is to remain prepared for the unexpected. My dad always told me to assume that every other driver on the road is an idiot and to anticipate their mistakes before they happen. While this advice has served me well, it should not have to be this way. If drivers were better educated and more rigorously tested before receiving their licenses, the roads would be much safer for everyone. Stricter testing and more hands-on learning would lead to better decision-making and ultimately reduce the number of fatalities caused by irresponsible driving.

At the end of the day, driving is not a right—it is a privilege that comes with immense responsibility. As individuals, we must hold ourselves accountable for our actions on the road, and as a society, we must take steps to ensure that only those who are truly ready are granted the ability to drive. By implementing stronger educational programs, enforcing stricter testing measures, and fostering a culture that values safety over recklessness, we can work toward a future where car accidents are less frequent and far less devastating.