Drive
Responsibly



Bright flashing lights reflecting off dark, wet pavement. Yes, I have
experienced a car accident in my lifetime. Luckily for me, the
physical effects were minimal and with time are no longer noticeable.
The emotional effects, however, are longer lasting. As a result of
this experience, I took drivers ed and road safety seriously.
The more that drivers understand and accept responsibility that their
actions affect multiple lives- passengers, other vehicle passengers,
bystanders and their own rational decisions will follow. I found the
mandatory drivers ed class taught in public high school to
be very helpful. I learned about the effects of drinking while
driving, drug use, speed on the road and how to make specific turns
within this 30-hour course. Learning the rules of the road and
practicing before becoming a licensed driver is what aids in the
memory of safe driving. I also saw specific videos of the aftermath
of fatal car accidents. I personally connected with the class and the
importance of driving safely, but not all young drivers make this
connection right away. Many teens die while driving under the
influence, being intoxicated and distracted on the road – all 100%
avoidable conditions. Sharing this information in an impactful way
will have huge effect in minimizing accidents and fatalities.
Additionally, school resource officers should become more involved in
limiting the presence of drugs and alcohol on school grounds. These
toxic substances are present on the campus and the officers should be
aware and take respectful action. Students also have a role to play,
participating in community events is one example. I participated in a
seat belt safety campaign in my community. For this campaign, I
distributed printed flyers in an effort to spread the word about
using seat belts. It only takes a second to fasten a seat belt and
save a life. Hopefully I grabbed the attention of motorists within my
community to influence safe driving.


To inspire change,
the local law enforcement should reiterate the rules of the road or
create pop-up safety lessons within local schools, such as middle
schools and high schools. Quick lessons within middle schools about
the rules of the road will make a future impact on driving safety.
Pre-teen students are eager to drive but also willing to listen. The
lessons are not meant to strike fear but warn children of the fatal
effects of driving distracted or under the influence. Pop-up lessons
are equally important in high schools; quick digestible reminders for
students actively driving will help to reinforce rules and messages
long after the Drivers Ed course and the driver’s license road
test are complete. Creatively repeating the rules of the road for
young drivers will have a positive effect and lead to more
responsible drivers.