I know this essay is supposed to allow me to answer questions and get personal, however, I am choosing to reverse the roles for a minute. I would like for you to be honest with yourself while you consider how you might answer these questions. Has there been a time that you have taken your life for granted? An instant in which you feel more like a robot or a prisoner of your mind rather than a human with the blessing of free will? Has something happened in your life that you would do everything in your power to erase? If we are not careful our lives will become mundane and dull. One mistake can become immense misery. Maybe we, in fact, all live boring lives, but the biggest blessing is that we get to start over tomorrow and we have the liberty of overseeing each action.
This is detrimental in every aspect of life. However, it is most important when we carry out tasks like driving. Each time we get behind the wheel and turn the key we are harboring the possibility of altering not only our lives but the lives of others. The lives of the sweet elderly lady, the hardworking mother of four, the brother working towards his dreams, the young and innocent baby, and an endless list of others who might be in the wrong place and at the wrong time. There is a risk involved with every mile driven every corner turned, every stop light.
While saying this there are ways to reduce the risk. Being educated on drivers’ safety and education can prevent losses and promote safer roads. It can equip us with the proper skills, mindset, and knowledge to be responsible while driving. It isn’t about learning how to drive the vehicle but rather a deep understanding of traffic laws, road safety, and the significance of unsafe driving. It allows us to take a minute and put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. It gives an understanding of the power we hold and a passion to do our best.
There are many ways to further this education and prevent deaths. Traffic laws and enforcement can become stricter to hold those accountable. Driver education could be taught further, for example in school. We learn about the negatives of drugs and crime and issues similar to those, but seldom do they teach the importance of safe driving. Sadly, we learn about so many conflicts and consequences, but this topic isn’t brought up enough. So many lives have been lost and will never be brought to justice. There could be an increase in helpful technology within vehicles that promote safety. Systems that alert the driver of issues or serve as emergency systems to override mistakes. Lastly, a large effort that I believe would make a detrimental difference would be the spread of mental health awareness and resources for those who are struggling with addiction. It is a systematic issue that stems from individuals with mental illness, trauma, and stress. If these struggling individuals are given the help, they need it could diminish about 1/3 of all traffic related deaths.
I have been in multiple accidents and am so thankful to say that each time I was left unscathed. This issue is near to my heart because I suffer severe anxiety while in a vehicle as a result of these incidents. I could not imagine if these tragic events played out in a more unfortunate way. To highlight one incident specifically was a couple of years ago. I was riding with my father and 3 sisters. We were hit from the side and went spiraling in the road. My father did his best to keep control and remain calm. We were blessed to come out of the situation safe. We emerged as a family. The lives of my father, myself and my sweet 3 younger sisters could have been taken that day, but we lived on.
I now believe that I am here for a reason and so are you. We should do our best to protect those that we love as well as everyone around us. Our life could end in a flash after one small mistake, one too many drinks, a distracted instant. I will become a better and safer driver by being intentional and smart while behind the wheel. I will think twice before glancing at my phone after I hear the buzz of a text. I will value and respect that I am participating in an action that could affect the lives of those around me. I will help others by spreading awareness and being a leading example. I will not be afraid to speak openly about driver safety. Lastly, I will make a conscious decision to promote cautious and harmless driving each time I get in a vehicle.
All in all, countless precious lives could be saved by the simple acts of being informed, aware, intentional, and safe while driving. Improvements in technology, education, and infrastructure could promote a safer future. I would like for you to think back on the questions I asked in the introduction and reflect on those answers. Will you make improvements and become the change that you wish to see on the roads going forward? Will you protect yourself and others before it’s too late?