Every Choice Matters

When people think about driver education, they think about studying the right parts of the driver's manual to pass a test or practicing for the first time in an empty parking lot with your mom. While those small parts are important its much bigger than that. Every time we get behind the wheel, we gain the responsibility of the lives of everyone around us. Our vehicle takes us to school, work, home, and ball games, but when used carelessly, it can change a life in seconds. Driver education gives people the knowledge, confidence, and responsibility to make choices that can prevent tragedies before they happen.

Unfortunately, I have experienced firsthand how quickly someone else's poor decisions can turn a typical day into a pretty scary one. When I was around 8 years old, my family wasrear-endedd by a drunk driver. I don't remember much, ch but I remember how scared I was when it happened and how a nice drive home from church turned into hours in the hospital. I realize that the accident could have been a lot worse. It taught me that driving under the influence is never "worth the risk." One irresponsible person's actions had many consequences for the innocent people who are just trying to get home.

Years later, when I started driving myself, I was involved in another accident. I was pulling into work about to park when another driver, rushing to clock in, sped through the parking lot and T-boned my car. The impact was large enough to total my vehicle. Thankfully, no one was injured, but it reminded me it doesn't matter if you're a safe driver if people around you don't know how to be a safe driver. Saving a few extra seconds to clock in is never worth risking someone's life. It also taught me that maybe you should call out of work on your birthday, or you might get T-boned.

These two experiences helped shape the way I think about driving. I realized that being a safe driver isn't just about following the rules when its convienient for you. It means staying alert even when you're in a parking lot, paying attention even when you're 3 minutes from home, and understanding that the drivers around you aren't always making the smartest decisions. Being a defensive driver is one of the most valuable skills you can learn because it prepares drivers to react safely when someone else makes a mistake.

There are many ways to reduce the number of driving-related deaths and injuries. The biggest thing we can do is continuing to educate drivers even after they get a license. Many people think that because they passed a 30-question quiz and have a card with their face on it, they know everything about the road. People should have required refresher courses because the rules of the road change over time.

Another issue is distracted driving. Looking at a text, changing a song, or glancing at a notification may only take a second, but that's long enough to cause a crash. Putting the phone away before you start to drive is a simple thing that can save a lot of lives.

Speeding is another preventable cause of accidents. Many people speed because they are running late or they think that they will make up time, but arriving a few minutes earlier isn't worth putting you and others in danger. My own accident happened because someone was in a hurry to get to work. The experience showed me that patience behind the wheel is just as important as skill.

As I continue gaining experience as a driver, I want to be a positive example. I plan to always wear a seatbelt, avoid distractions, obey speed limits, and never drive under the influence or ride with anyone who has been drinking. When I am the passenger of a vehicle and the driver seems to be getting reckless, I speak up and remind them that they need to drive more responsibly. 

My future career goals have also shaped the way I think about road safety. I plan on getting a bachelor's degree in a science field before entering a diagnostic medical sonography program. My career will focus on helping my patients and improving their quality of life. Even though I will be helping people after illness or injury occurs, I also understand the importance of preventing injuries in the first place. Every crash that is prevented means one less patient in an emergency room, one less family having to hear that their loved one is no longer with them, and one more person making it home safely.

The statistics about traffic fatalities are pretty alarming, but each number is a real person with a real life and family. Educating drivers won't get rid of every accident, but it can reduce the number that is caused by poor decisions. It teaches drivers responsibility, awareness, and respect for others- qualities that all drivers should have once they have a license.

Being involved in two accidents has shown me how fragile life can be and how quickly things can change. Those experiences have made me more cautious, more aware, and more grateful every time I get in the car. They have also strengthened my belief in the fact that safe driving isn't just a personal responsibility but also a commitment we make to every family we share the road with.

At the end of the day, every driver has a choice. We can choose to speed or slow down. We can choose to text or pay attention. We can choose to run the red light or safely slow down. We can choose to drive impaired or give up our keys. The decisions may seem small in the moment, but they can determine whether someone makes it home safely. Driver education gives us the information we need to make the right choices, but it is up to everyone to put the lessons into practice every time we drive. This is how we save lives- one responsible decision at a time.