I was 8 years old when my mom, my two brothers, and I got in the car on our way back from my studio lesson. We were blasting music, and it was at that moment that my mom’s phone fell to the ground. She looked away from the road for two seconds, and in less than a second, the airbags went off, and we were in a ditch. My brothers were crying, I was terrified, and my mom was on the phone with 911, trying to settle us down. A stranger had pulled over to help us, but we kept screaming until our mom could calm us down. My aunt came and got us, grabbed everything from our car, and we drove to her house. My brothers and I were lucky enough to get ice cream later, while my parents had to go to the car dealership to look for a new car. This is a vivid memory of mine, which constantly plays in my mind every time I get behind the wheel. All it took was a second of my mom’s eyes off the road before we were in a ditch. From that day on, I’ve strived to make a pivotal impact on the driving community, especially with teenagers my age. I don’t want this to happen again, and I don’t want there to be a worse outcome than what occurred here.
When I began driver’s ed, I was terrified to get behind the wheel because of this accident. I didn’t want to be the reason I hurt my family, friends, loved ones, or anyone else. I didn’t want to be responsible for their lives whenever they got in a car with me. Although I was terrified, and sometimes still am, I aim to teach others the proper tools and techniques of driving to further prevent accidents. I take their phones away from them before they get in the car, I remind them of the speed limit in the area, and I do my best to keep them focused on the road. Driver’s education taught me these steps to prevent accidents from happening on the road. Therefore, I have made it my duty and obligation to continue these lessons for people my age and younger as they get behind the wheel. Driver’s education drastically reduces the number of accidents and deaths each year. Simple techniques like these ensure the safety of the people behind all wheels on the road. I learned so much from my instructors, and I have sought to do the same.
When my brother began driver’s ed, I did my best to teach and practice with him before he took his permit test. I quizzed him on the rights and wrongs of driving on the road, and I will do the same for my other brother when he enters driver’s ed. This is just one of the many steps that can be taken to reduce the number of accidents and deaths on the road. Although it's a small action, I’ve learned that I inspired my brother to do the same for his friends before they took their test. One small step can truly impact all those around you. Therefore, it might not seem like you’re helping much, but it can save many from disastrous outcomes.
Furthermore, I’ve not only inspired my brother, but I’ve inspired my friends too. I quizzed my younger friend before she took her permit test, and now, as a driver, I ensure she’s safely following the laws on the road as well. She makes sure to follow and lead by example for all her friends because she understands the importance of driver safety. Teaching, quizzing, and helping people understand the laws and consequences of driving can help young adults grow into responsible drivers. These are small steps that can lead to overall success in this area, and I will continue to do this throughout my life. Whether it's making sure everyone is buckled up or paying attention to the road in front of them, I will work to continue these important lessons because I don’t want to be a bystander who allows bad habits to persist.
These are just some of the steps I’ve taken to ensure driver safety, but as a community, we can go even further. We can showcase driver safety posters, promote awareness of safe driving, and lead by example for those younger than us who are learning to drive. Currently, I can inspire others to work and succeed in small areas; however, it takes a community to make a true change. For this reason, I won’t stop what I’m doing, and I will push for others to do the same. As a group, we can ensure that our teenagers and drivers in our communities become responsible drivers and people. It’s a small step, but it moves our community in the right direction toward change.