The Power in the Driver’s Seat

January 10th, 2019: the day I realized that our lives are significantly vulnerable. As my dad drove me to school it seemed like a normal day. A left turn on a green light. Then, a car speeds through a red light at 50mph and crashes into the side of our car. The impact sent us spinning and hitting another car. It all felt surreal. Although my dad momentarily fell unconscious, I still remember everything. My ears were ringing and the smell of the burning tires filled my nose. Glass was shattered and cut my skin. My body felt severely bruised and my chest throbbed in pain. I have seen accidents on the side of the highway, but never would I thought that I would be a victim of a car accident.

Sitting in the driver’s seat gives a person undeniable power. In one second, one mistake can change theirs and another person’s life forever. This is why driver education is crucial to protecting others, reducing deaths, and preventing accidents as I have experienced. As “experienced” drivers, people can get comfortable and forget the power they hold while driving on the road. I’ve seen countless of cars speeding on surface streets and highways or not signaling when changing lanes. Sometimes, drivers need a reminder that shares the steps of driving safe and responsibly. Some of the most important safety measures include always wearing a seatbelt, driving at the speed limit, checking mirrors and signaling before changing lanes, maintaining enough distance between you and the car in front of you, and reading all road signs. In hazardous weather, drive slower and turn on the lights when it is foggy. Also, never drive while texting or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These steps will help the driver prevent any possible accidents. Lastly, it is important to always be a defensive driver and anticipate the actions of another driver. No matter how careful a person is driving, someone else might be driving recklessly. Therefore, drivers must also know how to quickly react in dangerous situations.

Fortunately, my dad and I sustained a few minor injuries such as fractured ribs, bruising, and nerve damage to the knee. My family may never know why the driver ran the red light. Maybe she was texting, or tired, or simply being careless. No matter what the reason, her mistake almost cost the lives of myself, my dad, and anyone else near us. Driver education is necessary to teach the importance of practicing safe driving because not everyone will get a second chance to live.