What if the most important lessons in life aren’t taught in classrooms, but through the experiences that shake you to our core? The first time I got into a friends’ car, I not only feared for my life but braced for the horror of watching the end of someone else’s. Two of my friends began to race each other, each spurred on by the reckless dares of the other. I watched the speed barometer climb higher and higher while I begged the driver to go slower. I was at mercy to the ruthless pursuit of adrenaline, raw and insistent, with all the stubborn urgency of a child’s daring. My protests rippled to the driver’s seat and then passed his ears, unclaimed. I sank into my seat, tugged my seatbelt tighter, and prayed that we all made it to our destination safely. The endless stretched out highway, cloaked in darkness gave me an eerie feeling that I tried to push down, but it was the words “I’m at 90. Should I hit 100?” that echoed sharp in my mind. Earlier that summer, the same friends, racing in a different car, told me of their friends who died in a car crash. Images of their ruptured bodies sprawled beneath the night sky drifted through my mind. Those faces transformed into our faces and then into the faces of strangers as my mind went through the possibilities. I focused my eyes on the glowing map that showed us getting closer to our destination. The drive was short–my only solace.
When we finally reached the parking lot, I let my voice lash out and undercut the excitement of the moment. The person in the car with me—someone I hadn’t known long—didn’t have the brunt of my anger. It was the other driver, a friend I had trusted for years, who had revealed a side of himself I never knew existed: reckless, easily swayed, and careless. I was stunned by how quickly he gave in to the influence of the moment. Somehow, I managed to convince him to drive more cautiously on the way back, but I made a vow right then: I’d never get into their cars again.
The following night, I was in my room, finishing an assignment, when a jarring screech sliced through the stillness. The unmistakable sound of tires on asphalt. I paused, heart thudding, and hoped that if there was an accident, everyone would be okay. The next day, one of my friends told me she was in the car with Will when he crashed into the gate next to our dorm. I was shocked that she’d gotten in the car with him. This just reinforced my boundary and the fear that something very likely could’ve happened to us the other night.
On top of the economic benefits that driver education provides such as reductions in automobile insurance premiums, driver education helps prevent horrible life-altering decisions that can have far-reaching consequences. Driver education helps us understand the traffic laws that we all need to follow. Furthermore, defensive driving techniques help drivers be able to identify potential hazards and helps them build safe habits. By creating an environment where everyone is responsible and taking measures to avoid accidents, we foster an environment that makes the road safer for us all. Additionally, driver education helps build confidence. Reckless driving is often admonished as unsafe. This is true, but well-meaning drivers who aren’t intentionally reckless but lack confidence can also be dangerous. I have been in the car with both types of drivers and have feared for my safety. The long-term benefits of driver education extend beyond safety, contributing to lifelong health and well-being.
There are several steps we can take to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Personally, one of the most significant improvements I made to my driving skills was taking a defensive driving course with an instructor. While in-person driving classes can be expensive, it would be beneficial if there were federal programs that provided low-income citizens with affordable access to defensive driving education. Another way to improve road safety is through technology. Many modern cars come equipped with systems that detect potential hazards and alert the driver. Investing in more of this technology—such as automatic emergency braking and collision warning systems—could significantly reduce car-related deaths. Additionally, as discussions about environmental sustainability gain momentum, expanding public transportation options presents another solution. Not only would this reduce car-related fatalities, but it would also improve transportation accessibility for disabled and low-income citizens. Public transportation also provides a safe and affordable option for individuals who are impaired by alcohol or drugs, reducing the risk of impaired driving. Finally, we can all contribute to road safety by starting with our own behavior. I make a conscious effort to always use my turn signal, adhere to speed limits, stay focused on the road, maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and never drive under the influence. In the future, I plan to stay updated on traffic laws in my area, check my vehicle’s tire condition regularly, and adjust my driving for different weather conditions. For example, living in Georgia where snow is rare, I plan to educate myself on snow-driving techniques in case of unexpected weather or if I relocate to a state with harsher winters.
In conclusion, we can take numerous steps in reducing car-related deaths such as personal responsibility, technological advancements, and societal initiatives. By taking defensive driving courses, utilizing safety technologies, promoting public transportation, and committing to safe driving practices, we can facilitate a safer environment for everyone on the road.