The Driver’s Seat: Independence, Danger, and Responsibility

I have been anxious around cars for as long as I can remember. My mother was in a traumatic car accident as a kid, and, growing up, I heard her terrifying story. While it scared me, there’s no denying that it made me realize the gravity of being a driver. Still, I never fully understood how dangerous distracted driving was until I took Drivers Ed. Something as small as being distracted by your iced coffee could end in tragedy. I watched countless videos and took multiple quizzes that insured that I would never text and drive, drink, or fall victim to road rage–a condition that is too often made light of, even though it often ends terribly. Had I not taken Drivers Ed, I would not be the responsible, defensive driver I am today. I can only hope that others will take the same precautions and receive the same education I did.

Though I have never been in a car accident; Massachusetts, my home state, has far too many disastrous and preventable accidents every year. I am fortunate that I live in an area where accidents are uncommon, but it still hurts to know that people I share a community with refuse to put others’ safety as their top priority. Furthermore, I am extremely fortunate that my friends and family share my values and drive defensively and responsibly. However, too often I see adults reach for their phones while driving. Because they didn’t take Drivers Ed when cell phones were common, they did not see the statistics and watch the horrifying stories I did when I was learning to become a defensive driver and an educated member of the community. If I could change one thing about current driving laws in my state, I would make sure the adults receive the updated education their teens received in Drivers Ed. I believe that this is a simple step that state governments can take to effectively reduce the amount of deaths related to texting and driving.

Though I consider myself a safe driver, I am a believer that people can always work to become better. As a safer driver, I will opt for the radio rather than music from my phone, minimizing the temptation to skip songs or get distracted by notifications. I will refuse to eat or drink while driving, instead making sure that I am full and hydrated when I get behind the wheel. Finally, I will familiarize myself with the roads in my area, which means that I am less dependent on my GPS while driving and can focus on the road and staying defensive and alert. I also pledge to sit down with my parents and talk about their phones, communication, and using GPS while behind the wheel. Similarly, I will educate my sister, a teenager learning to drive, on the importance of driving responsibly. Change starts with individuals, and I am determined to make change in my community that lasts.