The Power We Have Behind the Wheel

Stepping into the car every morning and igniting the ignition, most of us do not process the power we have behind the wheel. We take a risk every day. We are held responsible every day. We are life-changers every day. On average, 100 people every day can easily be a tornado and wreck an innocent person and their families’ lives in a second. Instead of this driver choosing to act responsibly, they chose to be a hammer, splitting the bonds and love for a person they had never met, who they had no relation to.

We step into a car almost day, not knowing who is behind each and every wheel. We do not know who will use their power responsibly. We do not know who will corrupt their power. One driver can be experienced, but the car behind them can be clueless, either way, the scenario does not favor the both of them.

In order to drastically decrease the number of deaths relating to mobile accidents, it is crucial that drivers become exposed to drivers ed in order to grow experienced and responsible. They can receive knowledge on how to safely drive in situations where it can become dangerous and risky. The steps to decrease the mortality regarding car accidents is to strengthen laws which will establish fear. This fear of a stronger consequence can be effective in many ways. If someone decides to drive drunk, there will be serious laws implemented as their consequence. Mostly the consequences are more weighed on the short-term results, for instance, temporary license suspension, fees, or programs. However, if the consequences were harsher like emphasizing on jail time, it can be effective as it forces others to be aware of what will come with reckless driving, therefore lessening the amount of deaths.

Furthermore, making drivers ed more affordable can decrease numbers of deaths. The course does not meet everyone financially. If the price was altered, more teenagers can learn how to navigate properly before obtaining their freedom of driving alone. My parents, for an example, are immigrants and were not magically granted the “American life” that everyone seeks for. My father was never introduced to drivers ed and even after 30 years of driving, he got involved in a car accident, purely by being distracted. Unfortunately, my family and I were in the car and had to experience such a tragic and horrifying event. However, no serious damage occurred to both of the cars, but the heart-thumping moment could have been prevented if my father had the knowledge of being alert all the time when his hands are on the steering wheel. This concept is taught crucially in drivers ed.

To be a safer driver, regarding personal experiences, my father now acknowledges the responsibility he carries when he is behind the wheel. Everyone must know the choice of responsibility they have. Everyone must understand this before they are suddenly laying down on a surgery table, barely functioning as how they were this morning when they stepped into the car and ignited the ignition.