Your Life Is on the Wheel

Reflecting on my driving experience brings me back to the empty church parking lot where it all started. Among the countless things my dad told me in his pre-lesson speech, one thing always stuck in my head: “Your life is on the wheel”. Thinking back to the time when our car was once rear-ended on the way to school, I felt the truth in those words. However, as is natural for people my age, I gained confidence (and maybe a little arrogance) as my skills developed and my experience grew.

Fast forward to college, sophomore year. I had been driving for over two years and was finally allowed to take the car with me to college. Being one of few in my circle of friends with a car, I decided to take us out for dinner within the first week of classes. Windy and dark mountain roads (with which I had limited experience) separated the school from most restaurants, but of course that didn’t stop me. But before I knew it, I lost traction taking on a tight curve, sending the car into a spin and slightly over the steep unshouldered edge of the road. After getting out safely, my friends and I directed traffic around the stuck car until a tow truck arrived. While soaking in the surreal sequence of events, the prevailing words rang in my head: “Your life is on the wheel”. Only now, I began to realize that I wasn’t just my life on that wheel. As I regained my confidence and the trust of my friends following the incident, the weight of responsibility in being a driver further materialized. Being extremely grateful that no one was hurt, and the car was undamaged, I made a commitment to prioritize safety for the sake of myself as well as others.

Fast forward to present day. I have driven for six years and am teaching my younger brother as he prepares for his driving test. Having been the student and now taking the role of a teacher, I realize the sheer importance of driver education in being able to safely wield a potentially lethal weapon. Road conditions and the behaviors of other drivers are often unpredictable, and every action taken on the road can lead to a myriad of scenarios. Being properly educated on safe and defensive driving techniques is key to being more prepared for these scenarios.

From what I have seen in my own driving experience, the number of driving-related deaths can be greatly reduced by adopting defensive techniques, having a clear, calm mindset, and avoiding unnecessary distractions when getting behind the wheel. As someone who has previously driven when in a hurry and/or angry, I can attest that doing so risks too much safety for too little return. Therefore, I believe that the first step to driving more safely is to have the proper mindset even before getting out on the road. Aggressive and distracted drivers are bound to be experienced by just about every driver, hence the importance of defensive techniques. Being a defensive driver significantly reduces the chances of getting into an accident when encountering a reckless driver. Thirdly, avoiding distractions is key, as safe driving requires constant awareness. The need to reply to a text, answer a phone call, or change the radio station can wait, and even when it can’t, it is better to park or pull over to accomplish these tasks instead of doing them while driving.

Besides the minor accident I briefly mentioned, I have witnessed friends driving irresponsibly and even under the influence. Having witnessed these things, I am aware of how dangerous and life-threatening reckless driving is. This compels me to not only be a safer driver myself, but also to encourage my friends and family to be safer drivers as well. To accomplish this goal, there are many things to consider. Firstly, one should be in an appropriate physical and mental state before driving. This means being fully awake, sober, clear minded, and in good health. Secondly, things in the car pertaining to the driver, such as the mirrors, seat position, and floor mat placement, should be properly adjusted so the driver has good awareness of surroundings and control over the vehicle. When out on the road, it is important to check surroundings periodically. Drivers should be aware of things such as speed limit changes, pedestrians, traffic at intersections, and, of course, other drivers. Reminding others of these steps is just as important as following them. While it may sometimes come off as being a “mom/dad” or “backseat driver”, it is a small price to pay for ensuring safe driving.

Over the years, I have come to appreciate driving as a utility, a privilege, and a pleasure. However, I also view it as a great responsibility, especially when I am not the only person in the car. Given the numerous incidents I have seen in the news and in person, I realize that cars, while useful and enjoyable, can also be very dangerous if misused. Thus, I continue to commit to being as safe a driver as possible while encouraging others to do likewise.