Living in the 21st century is both a blessing and a curse: we are able to live lives of interconnected ease, but whether texting on a phone or talking over a Bluetooth connection, each innovation has associated risks. Even while biking or using public transportation, individuals are still at risk of injury or death from an irresponsible driver. Most people have accepted this vulnerability in their daily lives, but ignoring the issue only increases the risk and injustice of the situation. Although we may never completely escape the dangers of driving, we must continually work toward safer roads. This is the responsibility of every driver, every time they drive.
Most traffic deaths are caused by improper judgment and poor planning, such as impaired, speeding, drowsy, or distracted drivers. Although one of the most regulated and basic principles of driving, speed remains one of the leading causes of traffic deaths. Higher speeds decrease the ability of a driver to control their vehicle and respond to their environment, especially in poor weather. Impaired and drowsy drivers are also extremely dangerous on the road because their decision-making and judgment is limited, in addition to decreased reaction time. Distracted driving is not only texting, but also changing music, making phone calls, using navigation, or using any other type of technology that requires a driver's attention. In my state, the use of handheld devices is illegal, and hands-free devices are encouraged by law enforcement as an alternative. Many people believe that hands-free devices are a solution to distracted driving, but I disagree. Although they are safer than handheld phones, hands-free devices still encourage drivers to take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, and their minds away from their surroundings. For necessities, such as following navigation or accepting a phone call, hands-free devices are a safer alternative to handheld, but they must be used in moderation. 
I am fortunate to be surrounded by family and role models who are educated in the risks of driving and do not use their phones while driving, nor drive intoxicated. The danger to me persists, however. As both a passenger and a driver, I have witnessed drivers of other vehicles using their phones while driving. I feel helpless and fearful in those moments because I know those drivers are putting my life at risk and I am powerless to stop it. I even heard a story about a peer who watched a movie on his dash while driving. This story made me angry. He selfishly put innocent lives around him in unavoidable danger. I am also frequently put at risk by others in my community who choose to disobey speed laws for thrill and to arrive at their destination only seconds earlier. One of my close friends was recently in a car traveling over double the speed limit. Poor and risky decisions like these are the reason Americans are at greater risk on our roads than in combat. 
It is well overdue for America to address the risks of our roads. We must shift legislation, increase education, rewrite popular culture, and accept the accountability demanded of being behind the wheel. It is the responsibility of every driver, every time they drive, to honestly assess their current condition. Individuals experiencing any extreme emotions, drowsiness, or with any amount of alcohol in their bloodstream should not drive. It is important for drivers to have alternate plans prepared for when they are incapable of driving, such as using taxi services, public transportation, videoconferencing, streaming, or arranging a carpool. Drivers must also plan ahead for poor weather and to maintain their vehicle. Risk education, legislation, and reshaped popular culture could diminish risks to driving. Today, however, all drivers must take the responsibility to obey all speed regulations, to wear a seatbelt, and to keep their entire focus on the road. Drivers should also choose to use apps and settings that block incoming messages while driving to minimize distractions, in addition to adding time to the start of a drive to set music, navigation, and send last-minute correspondence before shifting into drive. This diminishes any inclinations to use phones or hands-free devices while on the road. Every choice on the road, whether to protect or to risk, determines the length of another’s life.
Driver’s education programs have a formative role in shaping how these decisions are made. It is critical that every driver understands the risks of the road. Driver’s education is the largest tool in achieving this, and therefore appealing to all drivers to refrain from dangerous driving. Driver’s education also develops precautionary habits that could save lives. It is because of these programs that our roads are not even more dangerous. I deeply appreciate the individuals who dedicate their time to educating all new drivers for the security they provide to me. However, eliminating dangerous driving is not solely their responsibility. 
By taking responsibility while on the road and increasing community awareness of the dangers of driving, I contribute to a solution. My choice to not ever be an intoxicated, distracted, speeding, or drowsy driver and to plan ahead will contribute, although not ensure, my safety, the safety of my passengers, and the safety of others on the road around me. I will lead with my actions by setting an example for my peers, family, and friends and encouraging them to also pledge against dangerous driving. I will do my part to create safer roads by taking responsibility, increasing awareness of dangerous driving, and setting the correct example. I pray that others around me make the same choices because I know that, together, we can reduce our vulnerability on the roads.