I can feel the beating of my heart come back, filling my body at a rapid pace, and my stomach starts to feel like it's been kicked by a bull. I look over to see my boyfriend asking me something but I cannot make out the words coming from his mouth. The ringing in my ears doesn't leave and I’m completely frozen. I glance around the car at the buffalo chicken that has left stains of orange all over the car and the drinks that explode causing a sticky film to form on the front windshield. The smell of the food now was not as appealing to me as it was a few minutes ago, as it filled my nostrils with its pungent smell. I sat in the car completely still for the next ten, maybe even twenty minutes. It felt like an eternity.

Earlier in the day, the cool breeze grazed my legs as I opened the passenger door to my gray Honda Civic. I hopped into the seat lined with a dark gray fabric and glanced at my boyfriend who was adjusting the seat for the 100th time so that he could fit into the car—something I still find humor in. My leg hairs were still standing up from the biting wind, and I immediately put the air on the “high” temperature.

My car wasn’t the newest, most expensive model of the Civic, but it was new to me. Used but new—I had only had it for a few months as it was my gift before going to college. I know the reason was really because my old, busted-up car was going to my younger sister who was newly sixteen, but I was still starstruck at how amazing it was to have a car this nice. Though I did feel bad for my sister, my old car has a few bumps and bruises from accidentally hitting my friend's car in the school parking lot. A non-moving, parked car might I add! How embarrassing is that?

My stomach growled more and more as we drove closer to our intended destination: a fast-food restaurant. I mean, can you blame me? I’m a broke college student. We pulled into the drive-through, ordered our cheap food, paid, and were on our way again, back to the old, tiny dorm room where I currently reside. The aroma from the food filled the car as we got closer and closer to the road my dorm was on, I was anticipating getting to eat it of course. For a split second I look down at my feet, and the next I feel my heart stop.

The thought of how easily my life could have been taken from me was scary, more scary because the reckless driving from someone else was what could have caused it. I have caught myself many times making a risky turn, or driving over the speed limit, but never have I thought about the consequences and seriousness of making those decisions until that very moment. This moment made me realize the importance of proper driver education.

When I obtained a driver's license, of course, I was required to pass the permit test, then six months later, was required to pass my intermediate. Though I passed my permit the first time, I know a lot of people who didn’t, including my sister. I find peace knowing that we have this type of system, ensuring that everyone has some form of driver's education. Though they do have these steps in place, I do believe that a form of driver education during the permit stage does need to be put in place. Rather than having a parent, who can be emotional and stressed during their child's new driving, an individual who is trained and more willing to be patient would be more helpful during the learning of driving. Not only that, but some new drivers do not have access to a parent to teach them how to safely drive. More effectively advocating for new drivers to go through a driver education program such as this not only to ensure that you know the basics of driving, but more importantly it keeps yourself and others safe on roadways. Without being thoroughly taught to drive, people lack general driving knowledge and put others and themselves in danger.

To reduce the number of deaths due to driving, we need to talk more about how dangerous things like texting and driving are. I know it seems easy to just glance at your phone for a small amount of time and everything will be fine, but I know someone personally who thought that would be a good idea and their car ended up being totaled. My friend could have been seriously hurt as well as the person they hit, all because they wanted to send one text. Implementing a way that your mobile device connects to the car, and restricting the use of phones is something that will reduce the number of deaths. Along with that, there could be a bigger punishment for things such as speeding and texting while driving. New drivers should also all have to witness various speeches from individuals who have experienced loss due to irresponsible driving. This will ensure that new drivers are aware of the effects of reckless driving and be more cautious while behind the wheel.

Lastly, to become a safer and better driver on the road and to help others to become that, I will restrict the amount of time spent on my phone while driving completely and practice defensive driving and staying calm during stressful driving situations. Additionally, making sure to leave with plenty of time to spare is something I will exercise to limit speeding. To go along with this, I will encourage others to think about attending a driver education course and to think about how irresponsible driving can lead to dangerous situations that can change their life and the lives of others.

The importance of driver education can not be talked about enough. Proper training not only helps new drivers understand how to safely drive but also instills a sense of responsibility that can prevent dangerous driving habits. By advocating for stricter driver education programs, and implementing ways to limit distractions, like phones, we can reduce the number of fatalities from driving accidents. When you get behind the wheel, you are not just in charge of your own life, but you also have the lives of others in your hands.