Driving Toward a Safer Future

Every time someone gets behind the wheel, they hold their life and the lives of others in their hands. Driving may feel routine, but it’s one of the most serious responsibilities a person can take on. That’s why driver education is so important—it not only teaches the rules of the road, but also encourages lifelong habits that can reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities. As a future educator, I believe strongly in the power of education to transform lives, and that includes teaching young drivers to be safe, smart, and aware every time they get into a car.

Driver education is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce the number of deaths caused by driving. It goes beyond simply learning how to operate a vehicle; it’s about understanding how to anticipate risks, manage distractions, and make smart decisions in real-time. I attended a driving school when I was learning, and I truly believe it made me a more skilled and confident driver. Having an instructor who walked me through both basic and advanced techniques gave me a solid foundation and helped me feel more prepared when I started driving on my own. That experience showed me firsthand how valuable driver education is—not just for passing a test, but for staying safe every time I get behind the wheel.

Unfortunately, even with education, car accidents remain one of the leading causes of death for teenagers. That’s why more must be done. One of the most important steps we can take to reduce driving-related deaths is enforcing stricter distracted driving laws. Texting and driving is still far too common, especially among young people. Cell phone use while driving should carry more serious penalties, and technology that disables texting while driving could be encouraged or required for teen drivers. Another step is promoting awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence—not just of alcohol, but also marijuana and even some prescription medications. Awareness campaigns and personal stories can make a real impact when it comes to changing attitudes.

Graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs are also effective at reducing teen crash rates. These programs ease new drivers into more challenging driving situations as they gain experience. Many states already have GDL systems in place, but we can do more to strengthen them—such as extending the length of time before a new driver can carry multiple passengers or drive late at night. These changes could save lives.

The only accident I’ve ever been involved in was when a deer unexpectedly ran into our car as we were pulling onto the street where we live. It was completely out of our control, and thankfully no one was hurt, but it reminded me that even when we’re doing everything right, unpredictable things can happen. It also showed me how quickly a peaceful drive can turn into a dangerous moment. That experience made me more aware of how important it is to stay calm, focused, and prepared. I’ve also seen other people driving irresponsibly—speeding, texting, or ignoring traffic signals—and those moments stuck with me, too. They’ve made me more cautious, not only about how I drive but also about who I ride with. It’s not just about my own safety—it’s about looking out for everyone around me.

As I continue to grow as a driver, I know there are always ways I can improve. One thing I focus on is avoiding distractions—setting my phone to “Do Not Disturb” before driving and staying mentally present on the road. I also practice defensive driving, staying aware of my surroundings and anticipating other drivers’ mistakes. My younger sister often likes to ride with me, which I love, but sometimes she yells at other drivers when they do something wrong—even though I’m the one driving. It makes me nervous and reminds me just how easily tension can creep into the car. It also makes me wonder what kind of driver she’ll be one day, and it pushes me to model calm, focused behavior behind the wheel.

Beyond my own driving, I want to be someone who encourages others to be safe, too. Whether it’s reminding a friend not to text and drive, encouraging someone to call a ride instead of driving under the influence, or sharing safe driving tips with younger family members, I believe that influence matters. As someone who plans to become an elementary school teacher, I know I’ll have the opportunity to be a role model—and maybe even teach future drivers before they ever get behind the wheel.

Safe driving isn’t just about rules; it’s about responsibility, awareness, and respect—for yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. Driver education lays the foundation, but we all have a part to play in making roads safer. I hope to be part of a generation that takes that responsibility seriously and helps create a future where fewer lives are lost because of careless choices behind the wheel.