Sitting in the car as a kid, it can be assumed that you watched scenery pass by. Everyone saw something unique and different, an image of where they were from and how they viewed the world. Personally, I saw large, rolling fields of corn and wheat, touching the cloudy horizon. Sitting in that car, occasionally yet casually moving faster than the fastest man on earth, did you ever realize how dangerous you were? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average weight of a passenger car in the United States is 4,100 pounds. The average weight of a human in the United States is 199.8 pounds (according to Healthline). Add the average speed of a car on the road in the United States (55mp/h), and the implications are devastating. All it takes is one slip up, one miniscule mistake, to ruin lives, break apart families, and cause lasting trauma. Think of how shameful it is for someone to pass away violently in a vehicular accident. They will never have the chance to spend their last days with loved ones, to do the things they had written on their bucket list, to give one last goodbye to the world. Instead, it was ripped away before they even knew what was happening.
In a country where one mistake by a driver can kill, it is an understatement to say that driver’s education is crucial. Without it, there would be even more unnecessary deaths and generally unpleasant experiences in the United States. Furthermore, the quality of driver’s education is extremely important. To shape safe and responsible drivers, there has to be a demand for good instructors, engaged students, and experiences where people have genuine learning experiences. Many students in the United States do not understand the importance of simply paying attention in driver’s education, and in turn on the road. In my experience at driver’s ed, I was stuck in a class with people who didn’t pay attention, or just cheated to pass. This is the kind of culture that causes fatal accidents on a daily basis. A lack of education in unusual situations can also be an issue. I remember that during my time driving with an instructor, there were several small and seemingly insignificant niches not covered in the course which later became apparent when I was driving on my own. Overall, the key is experience, whether it be peaceful or less peaceful.
Once, when I was driving to go to the zoo with my spouse, we were changing lanes in a construction zone. After properly signaling and moving into the lane, I looked to my left. To my horror, a truck in front of us and in the other lane had slowed down and started drifting into our lane, inches from hitting us. My spouse grabbed my arm and began panicking. I used my other hand to honk and get their attention, to no avail. While comforting her, I slammed on the brakes to avoid being hit. I looked into her eyes and saw the rest of my life before me. Realizing it could all end over one simple momentary lapse in judgment from another person, I felt a sinking pain. That experience changed my outlook on driving. In driving school, of course your instructors speak of driving defensively. However, the quality of drivers on the road has deteriorated to such a point that my instructor once said “you have to drive like everyone else is trying to kill you”. Like me, you most likely have someone or something you need to go home to. You would never want your life to end because of someone else’s poor decisions and lack of care.
The biggest wake up call for many irresponsible drivers is, unfortunately, an accident happening in the first place. There is no better way to make you a safer driver than to feel the impact of your vehicle on another. We must learn from bad experiences, but also learn to prevent them. When you drive, think of your family. Not just your family, but the families of those whose lives you are risking by driving without care. Next time you step on the gas a little too swiftly or severely, think of your mother. Think of your father. Think of those who will experience heartbreak if something were to happen to you. Think of all of your hopes and dreams and the promising life ahead of you. If you have none of these things, then remember you still have time to attain them, by God’s grace.