Life is a highway

It is clear that the ability to drive allows for more capability. It allows more mobility without reliance on human strength or other people’s schedules; It makes it possible to be at more places and therefore do more within a single day; And in some cases, it makes obtaining an education or a job possible as some distances aren’t possible to travel in a short time. However, there is always a risk whenever someone gets on the road, and all it takes is one accident to change a person’s attitude to be completely on the fence or even completely against driving. Certainly it is tragic to lose our loved ones from a driving accident, however we cannot forget that we are now living in a world where driving is a necessity for many and removing it is simply impossible.

One work-around to this would be to educate people on the matter. Of course, a license is required for driving, but obviously that alone doesn’t end disasters. There will always be changing rules and regulations but to overly eager teens or busy adults, it might be just jargon that flies over their head. That’s why I believe that driver’s education should be included in normal school. Many people my age are extremely excited to finally get their license and blow caution in the wind. So I think that allowing them the time and in-person instruction at school (vs. online where most of my peers learn about driving) would allow for more of that information to actually stick. I also think there should be a time when teachers instruct younger children on safety as pedestrians, by having them go on walking trips from time to time. Another symptom of poor driving comes from outside addictions such as from phones or alcohol. Educating people on the dangers of overindulging on beer or their devices would also help discipline them on driving; Or at least they would be less inclined to bring their habits to the wheel. I think focusing on our youth can be a great way to prevent the most deaths as not only will they be spending more years on the road down the line, but also ensuring that they receive a quality education means that they can further educate their children and help the next generation of drivers.

Although there are many changes that I feel others can do to make the road a safer place, I’d be very hypocritical if I don’t mention anything I could do to avoid danger for myself and others. As a passenger, I should always be aware of cars, people, and other objects nearby me; I’d be helping the driver with their blind spots as they could pour more of their concentration on what’s happening in-front of the wheel. As a pedestrian, I always make sure to look in all directions before crossing. Although I’m not a driver, I think that just bringing a positive attitude and not being rude to others can make a world of difference. When I’m getting my license, I’d be interacting with fellow students and instructors, all of whom are drivers. A negative mood on the other hand can plague a driver’s day, and thus they might not be so happy and focused on the road.

Although I’m relatively young, and thus never had my own troubles on the wheel, or heard any of my friends have trouble – I heard a story from my dad about how my older brother almost had a fatal accident. I can picture a scene where my dad rushed to the emergency room, unsure if his boy is going to make it out alive – as every second passing hinted that the worst may come. I never want to have anyone in my own life go through what my brother and his family went through or wish that for anyone. Although my dad said that in a casual manner, the implications of what might have possibly happened are nothing short of dreadful. My brother was in many ways like a car, quick and always on the move, independent from anyone, and traveling far and wide. Not having my brother meant that I would have nobody to tell me what it would be like to travel, what it would be like to establish oneself miles away from home, no one to inspire me to go on many different pursuits just like he had done when he was my age. Like what I have mentioned previously, that possible tragedy would’ve completely altered my worldview for the worse.