Gatekeepers of Life: The Responsibility of Every Driver

I still remember the day I started learning how to drive. Sitting behind the wheel, my hands were nervous and gripping the steering wheel uneasily. My leg hovered over the gas pedal, and adrenaline pumped furiously through my veins. Dad, however, smiled calmly—as he always did—and said something uncharacteristically serious. “In the next few years or so, I’ll be more worried about the people on the road than you behind the wheel,” he said. Pretty harsh, yes. But we have always been straight with each other—no sugarcoating. That moment has stayed with me.

His words became the foundation of my driving philosophy: when you are behind the wheel, you are not only responsible for yourself and your passengers—you are responsible for everyone on the road. That responsibility, that weight, is something I take seriously. In a moment of distraction, a lapse in judgment, or a split-second decision, you can change someone’s life forever—or take it away entirely. I still think about a close call I had. If I had not been sober that day if I had not been paying attention, I could have killed the pregnant woman and her unborn child—a child who would never see the world. That thought still haunts me and is a constant reminder of the immense responsibility I carry every time I drive.

This brings us to the importance of driver education in reducing road deaths. Driver education does more than teach you how to operate a car; it instils a mindset. It trains you to recognize that you are not just driving a vehicle—you are a gatekeeper of life. Knowing how to steer or park is not enough; you must understand that every decision behind the wheel impacts others on the road. Driver education helps prevent reckless behaviour, carelessness, and life-threatening mistakes.

While I did not undergo formal driver education at first, the lessons from my dad were just as impactful. They are etched into my memory. I remember every word he said, and those words have shaped me into the driver I am today. But beyond personal experiences, statistics highlight just how essential driver education is. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers under the age of 25 make up a disproportionate number of road fatalities, often due to a lack of experience, poor decision-making, or both.

So, what steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving? First, we need to implement more comprehensive driver education programs, not just for young drivers but for adults as well. We should see driving as a responsibility, not a rite of passage. Defensive driving techniques, awareness of the risks of distracted driving, and the importance of sobriety should be core aspects of any driver training. It is not enough to pass a driving test—We need to instil respect for the responsibility of being on the road.

Seatbelts, speed limits, and DUI laws must be strictly enforced. Enforcement alone is not enough—awareness campaigns that highlight the dangers of reckless driving and promote safer habits can make a real difference. The goal should not just be to punish reckless driving after the fact but to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Unfortunately, I have witnessed irresponsible driving firsthand. I have seen friends and family speed, use their phones behind the wheel, and take unnecessary risks. One moment that still sticks with me is when a close friend was texting while driving—he swerved and nearly hit a pedestrian. The shock on his face afterwards said it all. In that split second, he realized just how close he was to changing someone’s life forever. Moments like that are a harsh reminder not only to drive responsibly but also to speak up and ensure those around us do the same.

So, what steps can I take to be a better and safer driver—and to help others become safer on the road? First and foremost, I commit to always driving sober, alert, and focused, no matter how tired or distracted I am. I follow traffic laws, wear my seatbelt, and never drive faster than conditions allow. But it is not just about me—it is about those around me. I encourage my friends and family to stay safe on the road, to avoid distractions, and to make responsible decisions. And if I ever see someone driving irresponsibly, I speak up. Whether it is a friend trying to text while driving or a family member thinking of driving under the influence, I will remind them of the consequences.

Ultimately, driver education is about more than just preventing accidents—it is about creating a culture of responsibility and care. When we are behind the wheel, we are not just responsible for ourselves but for everyone on the road. We must be gatekeepers of life. Through education, awareness, and personal responsibility, we can make our roads safer for everyone.