“!” is many people's dream. To just let go and let Jesus take the wheel and not have to worry, but in reality this is not the case. The lives of many have been drastically changed because the driver did not take that wheel with responsibility. The only one that can take that wheel is you, the driver.
I have watched videos of people learning how to drive the first cars invented. It is really entertaining. I recommend you watch them. They would crash into bushes and their cars would flop to the side, then the driver would get out of their car and push the car back up and try again. No one was ever seriously injured. Today, due to the mass production of vehicles thousands of people are seen on the road performing their daily commute. Sometimes in a rush and sometimes distracted. I live in Los Angeles, California which is ranked the 6th most congested city in the United States (Inrix, “Americans Lost 3.4 Billion Hours Due to Congestion in 2021, 42% Below Pre-COVID”). Seeing a car crash on the 10 Freeway or the 605 Freeway, is sadly a norm and many times a reason for why many employees are late to work. Instead of seeing this as a norm we should get informed and take action on how to prevent car crashes from happening so often, especially if they could be prevented by taking simple steps. I made a list of six simple steps we can all do when being on the road:



Wear your seatbelt


Be patient, remember your life and the one of others are on the line.


NEVER drive under the influence of any substance (be sure prescribed medications allow you to drive)


Drive the speed limit or the speed of traffic


Always look both ways when coming out of a parking structure, please.


Have phones away while driving, trust me a text, call, tik tok video can wait.



Taking the steps to become responsible behind the wheel is essential to increase the chances of keeping us and others more safe. One of the ways to reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving is by taking driving education classes..This can be done online or in person. In person classes can often be pricey, but there are many free driving education classes online! But remember that investing in learning how to drive could potentially save a life. Online classes will teach you the rules of the road which are essential. Once you have obtained your driving permit, if in person driving classes are not affordable then getting someone who is a responsible driver to teach you is also a great option. These steps are important because every single person that is on the road runs a risk. When taking these preventative and educational measures we minimize the risk of a family member obtaining a devastating call. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health observed that "road safety knowledge, attitudes, and intentional behaviors significantly improved post-intervention" among participants of driver education programs, suggesting that such education enhances safe driving practices.
Being in car accidents and knowing of people who have been in car accidents themselves is all way too common. Family members have had to do intensive physical therapy due to irresponsible drivers. For me, the first time I was in a car accident was one day while I was heading to work. I was getting on the on ramp to get on the freeway. The red light had just turned, so I proceeded to a full stop. When I looked at my rearview mirror, I saw a car coming at me at full speed. Before I could think, the driver crashed onto my vehicle. I was in shock, it felt like a dream. When I came out of the dream-like feeling I pulled over to the emergency lane on the freeway as I learned in my driving education class and we exchanged information. This was my first time being in an accident and I have unfortunately been in three due to distracted drivers.
As we know, being in car accidents or seeing one on the road is very common. Together we can minimize the commonness on this road issue. We can prioritize the safety of ourselves and others by taking preventative steps such as taking driver education classes, being focused on the road, and being aware of others. As much as we wish, Jesus can not take the wheel for us. We need to be responsible human beings because remember the only one that can take that wheel is you, the driver.