My parents paid drivers to bring me to school, and by the age of eight, I had already been through 6 car accidents. I catch periodic glimpses of the crashes every now and then: the split second shock, the panic, and the sickening crunch. I was lucky to only have suffered from severe smoke inhalation, but I did have to change multiple drivers. These incidents are labeled as “car accidents”. But were they really accidents?
It’s safe to say that you can prevent over 90% of car accidents. Actually, it is asserted by countless sources. Of course, these preventable car accidents aren’t being prevented, when they could be. To that end, are they really…accidents? However, there are a collection of ways to alleviate the issue of car accidents.
I think the number one way to remedy the car accident issue is to teach driver education early on. Unlike subjects such as math and science, drivers ed is not adequately taught throughout our lives. While it is taught around high school, there are many who manage to slip through the cracks of the course. This translates to driving. If the person driving in front of me uses their hazard lights, and I don’t understand what that is, 99% of the time there will be a crash. Nevertheless, just because someone knows the rules doesn’t mean they will follow them. Half of the accidents I suffered from were due to drivers running the red light. Despite both pedestrians and drivers knowing not to do this, others still believe they can cheat the system. This needs to be addressed, as countless lives will continue to be lost in a preventable situation.

But alcohol isn't the only culprit. The other half of the accidents I've witnessed weren't caused by drinking, bad weather, or road rage—they were the result of speeding. Speeding is a killer. According to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, it accounts for 30% of all accidents. I’m sure you’ve heard of the tragic death of Princess Diana. Over 2.5 billion people watched her funeral, and many mourned her passing. But what’s often overlooked is that she died in a high-speed car crash—her driver was not only speeding but also under the influence of drugs. That moment, like so many others, serves as a stark reminder of how reckless decisions behind the wheel can change lives forever. We need to remember that every time we get in the car, we’re not just responsible for our own safety. We’re responsible for the safety of everyone on the road, and speeding or driving under the influence is a gamble no one should take.

Peer influence also plays a huge role in promoting safer driving. We often underestimate the power of leading by example. When we drive safely, obey the rules, and take our responsibilities seriously, we set a standard for others—especially younger drivers. I know that when I was growing up, the behavior of drivers around me shaped my own habits. If we make it clear that we don’t tolerate reckless driving, and if we consistently model safe behavior ourselves, we can influence our friends and family to make better decisions behind the wheel. But remember, it starts with you.
Finally, supporting education beyond just the classroom is essential. We can organize or participate in community workshops, awareness programs, or even online campaigns that promote safe driving practices. These efforts can reach not only young drivers but also those who may not have received adequate education about driving safety. Offering practical tips on defensive driving, recognizing the dangers of distracted driving, or simply sharing personal stories can make a real difference in people’s attitudes toward road safety.
As an individual, besides adhering to the policies of driving, I can continue to help my community do the same. Living around a low income community has its disadvantages, as many people do not have the driver’s education and safety awareness that others in higher income communities do. As a result, accidents are much more common. Other drive related incidents, like road rage are also far more common.

However, by going door to door and personally inviting residents, I can ensure that everyone, regardless of their income, has access to vital safety information. I could cover topics like basic traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and how to stay calm behind the wheel. With more people educated on these issues, we can begin to foster a safer driving culture in our neighborhood and reduce the frequency of accidents and dangerous driving behavior. If we can equip everyone with the knowledge and tools they need to drive safely, we can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate surroundings. We can reduce the accidents, the road rage, and the loss of life that comes from thoughtless driving. It won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible.