¨Text Me When You Get Home¨
2026 Driver Education Round 1
KAROL SAMANTA MERCHAN GARCIA
West Bountiful, UT
Growing up is one of the biggest dreams of kids, because it means that many of our fantasies or desires can be accomplished. Many of us look forward to turning 16 years old to gain more freedom, more experiences and opportunities (or mainly so we can drive). I remember my first time behind the wheel right after I had reached the age to do so with my brother-in-law in the passenger seat and my sister in the back. As a tradition in my family, we started my first ride with a prayer, many instructions and reminders, then, the same guidelines again after that. In my head, I thought Edgar (my brother-in-law) was being a little too exaggerated, even bossy, did he think I was a bad driver already?. I really enjoyed my first time on the road. After my successful first ride, we even went for some ice cream!.
Before leaving the house with the car, I had promised my mom (who was working at that moment) that I would let her know when I was done with my instruction, and so I did. I sent my mom a text that said ¨We made it home safe, and even got ice cream! ¨ with a photo attached to it.
Once we were home, my family started comparing their experiences when they first started their driving journey. My brother-in-law then proceeded to tell me a few stories of some of his best friends from his childhood. I was expecting to hear silly or embarrassing experiences when he started talking, but a very serious face set the tone for the conversation we were going to have.
Three of his five closest friends from his childhood died on the road due to car accidents. He told me how it was to receive the news for each of them. One was not wearing a helmet when driving his motorcycle, the other was speeding and not wearing his seatbelt, and the other one was a victim of another driver who was on his phone while driving. ¨This is very serious, every decision you make while driving can determine if someone makes it home safe or not¨ His teaching of responsible driving in my early stages of it had an impact that make the decision I make while behind the wheel easier. It is very important to teach awareness of the severity of being a driver. My brother-in-law's friends represent only a few of the thousands of deaths on the road that could have been prevented if the safety guidelines (like wearing seatbelts, following speed limits, not driving distracted) had been followed. Many parents do not receive a text from their children reporting they are safe after driving every day.
Thankfully I had never been nor witness any severe car accidents, however, I had been victim of the result of irresponsible drivers. I recollect an experience with my dad while he was driving, when all the sudden a car hit us from behind. This driver was too distracted on his phone that did not notice when my dad turned his blinker on to turn right. It was too late when he noticed he did not have enough time nor space to break. We had to buy a new car and start chiropractor appointments after the incident, an event that was preventable.
I try to make sure I am intentional when to stop the rate of car accidents but most importantly, deaths on the road. I moved out of the house to start college a few months ago, such a decision that entitled moving to a different state, starting from zero. I do not have any relatives nor friends here. Due to that, my ¨I made it home safe¨ text has a heavier meaning for my mom now. Not only because it means I am safe, but because that means others around me (while driving) are also safe. We do not only compromise our wellness when we are not following the law when we drive, but also other´s lives.
Before leaving the house with the car, I had promised my mom (who was working at that moment) that I would let her know when I was done with my instruction, and so I did. I sent my mom a text that said ¨We made it home safe, and even got ice cream! ¨ with a photo attached to it.
Once we were home, my family started comparing their experiences when they first started their driving journey. My brother-in-law then proceeded to tell me a few stories of some of his best friends from his childhood. I was expecting to hear silly or embarrassing experiences when he started talking, but a very serious face set the tone for the conversation we were going to have.
Three of his five closest friends from his childhood died on the road due to car accidents. He told me how it was to receive the news for each of them. One was not wearing a helmet when driving his motorcycle, the other was speeding and not wearing his seatbelt, and the other one was a victim of another driver who was on his phone while driving. ¨This is very serious, every decision you make while driving can determine if someone makes it home safe or not¨ His teaching of responsible driving in my early stages of it had an impact that make the decision I make while behind the wheel easier. It is very important to teach awareness of the severity of being a driver. My brother-in-law's friends represent only a few of the thousands of deaths on the road that could have been prevented if the safety guidelines (like wearing seatbelts, following speed limits, not driving distracted) had been followed. Many parents do not receive a text from their children reporting they are safe after driving every day.
Thankfully I had never been nor witness any severe car accidents, however, I had been victim of the result of irresponsible drivers. I recollect an experience with my dad while he was driving, when all the sudden a car hit us from behind. This driver was too distracted on his phone that did not notice when my dad turned his blinker on to turn right. It was too late when he noticed he did not have enough time nor space to break. We had to buy a new car and start chiropractor appointments after the incident, an event that was preventable.
I try to make sure I am intentional when to stop the rate of car accidents but most importantly, deaths on the road. I moved out of the house to start college a few months ago, such a decision that entitled moving to a different state, starting from zero. I do not have any relatives nor friends here. Due to that, my ¨I made it home safe¨ text has a heavier meaning for my mom now. Not only because it means I am safe, but because that means others around me (while driving) are also safe. We do not only compromise our wellness when we are not following the law when we drive, but also other´s lives.
When we decide to follow the guidelines and laws established by the government and local authorities of the areas of which we live in, such as wearing seatbelts, respecting speed limits, and postponing any distraction to until after we are not driving, we also decide to allow more people to make it safe to their destinations. We are all responsible for the safety of others when behind the wheel. Let us not be the reason why someone´s mom does not get a text from their children ever again.
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