Every Journey Matters: Time and Money

Driving is one of the most important parts of modern life. It allows people to travel to school, work, hospitals, businesses, and places where they can connect with family and friends. However, driving also comes with a great responsibility because one careless decision behind the wheel can change or even end a person's life. Road traffic deaths are not simply statistics; behind every death is a family that loses a loved one, children who may lose a parent and communities that lose valuable members. This is why driver education, responsible driving, and respect for road safety are essential to reducing driving-related deaths.

Driver education is important because it gives people the knowledge, skills, and attitude they need to use the road safely. Learning to drive should be more than learning how to operate a vehicle or obtain a driving license. Drivers need to understand traffic laws, road signs, speed limits, defensive driving, the dangers of distracted driving, and how to respond to unexpected situations. A well-educated driver is more likely to recognize dangerous situations before they become accidents. For example, understanding the importance of maintaining a safe following distance can give a driver enough time to stop when the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. Similarly, learning about the dangers of speeding can help drivers understand that arriving at a destination a few minutes earlier is never worth risking someone's life.

My experience on the road has also shown me why driver education is necessary, particularly among some motorcycle taxi riders. I have observed that some motorcyclists prefer to speed because they want to make more trips and therefore earn more money. In the process, some misuse the phrase “time is money,” forgetting that time can never be more valuable than human life. While earning a living is important, speeding and careless driving can put the rider, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users at serious risk. A rider may gain a little more money by making an additional trip, but one accident can result in injuries, loss of life, expensive medical care, or permanent disability. Driver education can help people understand that being a professional driver is not only about reaching destinations quickly or making money; it is also about protecting lives. Driver education can also change attitudes and behavior. Some drivers may know traffic rules but ignore them because they believe they are experienced enough to take risks. Education can help drivers understand that experience does not make anyone immune to accidents. Every driver, regardless of age or experience, has a responsibility to protect passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and other road users. Driver education should therefore promote patience, self-control, respect, and responsibility rather than simply focusing on passing a driving test.

Are there steps that can be taken to reduce driving-related deaths? First, drivers should obey speed limits and adjust their speed according to weather and road conditions. Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to react and can increase the severity of injuries when a crash occurs. Second, distracted driving must be taken seriously. Drivers should avoid texting, making unnecessary phone calls, adjusting devices, or engaging in activities that take their attention away from the road. A vehicle can travel a significant distance in just a few seconds, meaning that looking at a phone for even a short time can have devastating consequences.

Another important step is preventing drunk and drug-impaired driving. Alcohol and drugs can affect judgment, concentration, coordination, and reaction time. Anyone who has consumed alcohol or taken a substance that can impair driving should find another way to get home rather than putting his or her own life and the lives of others at risk. Everyone in a vehicle should also use seat belts, while children should be properly secured using appropriate child restraints. Regular vehicle maintenance is equally important because faulty brakes, worn tires, broken lights, and other mechanical problems can contribute to crashes.

Governments and communities also have an important role to play. Roads should be properly designed and maintained, with clear signs, pedestrian crossings, lighting, and measures that protect vulnerable road users. Traffic laws should be enforced consistently, and drivers who repeatedly put others at risk should face appropriate consequences. Schools and communities can organize road safety campaigns to educate young people about responsible road use. These efforts can create a culture where safe driving is viewed not as a burden but as a shared responsibility.

Personally, road accidents have made me more aware of how serious irresponsible driving can be. Although I have never experienced a car accident involving a close family member or myself, I have seen more than three road accidents in just one week. Fortunately, none of these accidents involved people related to me, but seeing several accidents within such a short period was disturbing. It made me realize that road accidents are not distant events that happen only to other people. They can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Every accident I witnessed reminded me that a simple mistake, moment of distraction, excessive speed, or failure to follow traffic rules could have serious consequences.

These experiences have strengthened my belief that road safety begins with individual responsibility. To become a better and safer driver, I would make a conscious effort to obey traffic laws at all times, avoid distractions, maintain a safe speed, and remain alert whenever I am on the road. I would never use my phone while driving, and I would always make sure that everyone in the vehicle uses a seat belt. I would also avoid driving when tired or when alcohol or any other substance could affect my judgment.

Being a safer road user also means helping others. I can encourage friends and family members to follow traffic rules instead of remaining silent when I see irresponsible behavior. If someone is driving too fast, using a phone while driving, or behaving dangerously, I can respectfully remind them of the possible consequences. I can also lead by example because people are often influenced more by what they see than by what they are told. By consistently practicing safe driving, I can encourage those around me to develop better habits.

Young people in particular can play an important role in creating safer roads. We can use social media, schools, community groups, and conversations with friends to spread messages about responsible driving. Instead of normalizing speeding, reckless overtaking, drunk driving, or distracted driving, we should make responsible behavior something to be proud of. Small actions can influence others and contribute to a larger culture of road safety.

Ultimately, reducing road deaths requires cooperation between drivers, passengers, pedestrians, communities, and governments. Driver education provides the knowledge, but responsible behavior puts it into practice. Better roads and stronger enforcement can reduce risks, but individual drivers must still make the right decisions every time they get behind the wheel.

Every journey begins with a decision: to drive responsibly or to take unnecessary risks. I believe that choosing safety should always come first. No destination is so important that it is worth risking a human life. The phrase “time is money” should never be used to justify reckless driving, because no amount of money can replace a life lost on the road. By becoming better drivers, educating others, respecting traffic laws, and treating every road user with care, we can help make our roads safer. The goal should not simply be to reach our destination, but to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to reach his or hers alive.