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My left turn signal ticks away, mirroring the relentless rhythm of time as it races against us. Outside, the rain pours down, and a chilly breeze swirls through the air, creating a grey backdrop that reflects the hurry we find ourselves in. In the front seat, my brother, who has autism, fidgets slightly, his focus flitting from the droplets racing down the window to the fast flicking of the shoelace he holds in his hand.   It’s his stem tool, his comfort.  As we rush to get to school on time, I can feel the weight of responsibility resting on my shoulders. Leaving early is part of my strategy; the left turn onto Spring Valley Drive can be a real gamble, fraught with potential hazards. Right next to our house sits the Herschel “Woody” Williams VA Hospital, where patients and staff are making their way to early appointments. At this hour, the roads become a chaotic mix of students, teachers, and parents all grappling with the morning frenzy. It’s no small feat to juggle all these distractions and maintain focus on the task at hand: driving. As a student-athlete in a large family of nine, with the added responsibility of looking out for my aging grandparents, my life is filled to the brim. Each day is a balancing act between school, practice, and family obligations. But when I slip behind the wheel, whether it’s heading to school, practice, or even visiting a college, all those distractions fade into the background. Concentrating on the road becomes my singular focus—an essential task that demands my full attention. For me, arriving safely isn’t just a goal; it’s a top priority that shapes every part of my journey. Drive, signal, turn, stop, park—each step is a reminder of the responsibility. 

Driving is dangerous, particularly for those of us who are inexperienced. Countless distractions loom in every corner: the constant temptation of our phones buzzing with notifications, the chatter of friends in the car, the snapping of my brother’s string, and sometimes, in our rush to get going, we forget the simple act of buckling our seatbelts, despite promises made to our parents. It’s striking to consider the statistics; the Centers for Disease Control report that around 2,800 teens aged 13-18 lost their lives, and a staggering 227,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 alone. That equates to roughly eight teenagers dying every single day due to avoidable accidents—almost the entire number of my own family wiped out in just 24 hours. 

In the minds of many young drivers, there’s a sense of invincibility—a belief that an accident can never touch them. But the harsh reality conveyed by these statistics paints a different picture. A typical car weighs nearly 3,300 pounds; that immense weight can cause catastrophic damage and, tragically, end lives in an instant. 

I came face-to-face with the sobering reality of driving risks shortly after stepping into the world of licensed drivers. On what should have been a routine errand to the store just around the corner, I was turning right into the parking lot entrance. Suddenly, out of nowhere, BAM! Another vehicle crashed into my passenger side, a reckless attempt to squeeze past me on the right. In that terrifying moment, my heart raced, and I shook uncontrollably; the encounter left me rattled, yet thankfully, I was not hurt. It truly happened in the blink of an eye. This experience underscored the importance of educating drivers about these ever-present risks. Our youthful confidence often blinds us; however, the data shows that accidents are frequent and indiscriminate. As teenagers, we need relentless reminders that we are not above the consequences of irresponsible driving.

 I consider myself fortunate for the opportunity to participate in a driver’s education course—a privilege made possible when my parents found someone in our community to teach me, given that our school didn’t provide such a program. I genuinely believe schools should reintroduce driver’s ed into their curriculum. Providing teenagers with both comprehensive education and ample practice behind the wheel could foster safer driving habits that last a lifetime. 

Lock the door, my mind whispers, a comforting routine as I prepare to step into the school building. We’ve made it to school safely, and now it’s time to shift my focus toward the educational journey that awaits. After devoting eight hours to learning, socializing, and athletics, I will make the familiar drive once more. There is something empowering about being behind the wheel; the independence to go where I need and want to be is exhilarating. Yet, with this freedom comes the unwavering necessity for responsible driving—for my safety, for my brother’s well-being, for the comfort of my family, and for the safety of everyone navigating the shared roads.