Learning Driver’s Responsibility the Hard Way

In America, an average of 34,000 people die each year as a result of driving. This is more people who have died in one year as a result of driving than the total number of American soldiers who have died from war in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. Driving, which is thought of as a rite of passage for growing up, is actually a life-or-death activity that many younger people take for granted. I was one of these kids.

I had my license for just 12 days. I finally had the freedom to go where I wanted and didn’t need to ask my parents or friends for a ride. I thought I was a great driver and felt like I was on top of the world. I had headed out around 8 pm to pick up my sisters from school this particular night. I remember saying to myself, “I'm just going 15 miles an hour. I’m close to home.” While driving to pick up my sisters from school, I glanced down at my mobile phone then seconds later looked up to see a parked car. I tried to swerve, but it was too late. In just a few seconds I had destroyed two cars. Fortunately, there was no one injured, and I came out of it just sore and bruised. The police and fire department came, my Mom came, and my sisters were dropped off by a friend. I was just a few houses up the hill from home. I recall the cop saying to me, "If you hadn't swerved it could have been much worse. You were lucky." I didn't feel lucky at the time but looking back I realize just how lucky I was.

The accident changed my attitude towards driving responsibility and decision making completely. I never thought I'd do something that I could die from. My parents had warned me again and again not to use my phone while driving but I thought I was indestructible. I realized quickly how wrong I was. Now, when I see the opportunity, I talk about distracted driving with anyone that listens. If they brush it off I show them pictures from that night. The people are always amazed when they find out that that much damage was done in just seconds at 15 miles an hour.

Being a safe and educated driver means understanding these risks and making smart choices every single time you get behind the wheel. After my crash, I changed my habits for good. My phone stays in the glove box now. I set everything up before driving. I keep music at a normal volume and don’t turn around to talk to my siblings while driving. I use focus tools that help me to avoid the temptation to pick my phone back up while driving. These small changes, learned the hard way, keep my family, myself, and others on the road safe.

Driver education and real-life lessons like mine teach us that safe driving is everyone’s responsibility. It means not using phones while driving, knowing to stop fully, signaling clearly, maintaining distance, and anticipating what other drivers might do. Defensive driving puts that knowledge into action by scanning ahead, slowing in school zones, and never assuming the other car sees you. Staying off the phone is non-negotiable. In a single glance you can go the length of a basketball court at highway speed. Additionally, staying sober, staying alert, driving the proper speed for conditions, and vehicle maintenance are all part of this responsibility.

Sharing the road with others is the driver’s responsibility. Living in a walking district this is especially important. There are kids and pedestrians who might misjudge your speed. Sometimes kids run out between parked cars. Safe drivers are hyper aware of their surroundings, they make eye contact when possible, yield to people in crosswalks, give cyclists plenty of room, and always check carefully before turning right on red or in a yield. In neighborhoods and parking lots, slowing down and looking carefully shows that you understand these are shared spaces and that caution and care must be taken in these places.

Vehicle readiness is part of safety too. Drivers should keep up with maintenance like good tires for rain and snow, working brakes and brake pads and calipers, working headlights, washer fluid to clean the windows, and adjusting mirrors correctly. They make sure everyone wears seat belts before starting to drive. These steps might seem minor, but they are all incredibly important in being a safe driver.

This accident has made me realize how fast things can turn wrong when it comes to making decisions. Safe driving isn’t just rules for fun or suggestions it is a life or death activity we take up as drivers everyday. Education gives you the knowledge to be a safe driver, but real responsibility comes from choosing to use it every single time you get behind the wheel. Keeping in mind to keep a safe following distance, checking blind spots, yielding properly, and never letting distractions or frustration get in the way of safety behind the wheel. Students like myself sharing our stories is another great way to spread the word and educate others. Being aware of road conditions, following the speed limit, following the rules of the road, being a defensive driver, not using a phone while driving, and limiting distractions can all save lives.

I now drive like mine and everyone else’s life depends on it. Because it does. Every time I get behind the wheel, I remember those 34,000 lives and my own close call. I choose to be the educated, defensive driver who learns from mistakes instead of repeating them. Being in the driver’s seat means more than controlling a car it means taking full responsibility for the lives around you. I’m committed to that responsibility now and I encourage every other driver to do the same.