The Risk of the Road

Emily Romanowski

High School Senior

30 March 2020

The Risk of the Road

The click of the seatbelt, the keys clinking together, and the wind blowing on your face as you drive down the road with all windows down. Driving is more than a way to get from point A to point B. Driving is a freedom to be individual and travel wherever and whenever you please; however, this freedom is not rewarded without responsibility. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, an average of 1.25 million people die each year from car crashes. The liberty of travel comes at too high of a cost, which is why each and every person must take the proper procedures to ensure safe travel. To help reduce the number of deaths due to vehicular disasters, all responsible drivers must take a certified Driver’s Education course. Many high schools in America allow participation in a safety course to prepare for their driver’s license. Additionally, most adults that are prepared and ready for defensive driving should continually study and practice the rules of the road. The general population of drivers should be well informed and prepared for any circumstances that may arise on the road if given proper education.

Many years ago there was a man who had been drinking at the bar. He decided he was able to drive home while under the influence. On his way, he passed out behind the wheel while going northbound and veered towards the other side of the road. He ran into a ditch and ruined the life of a young woman. She was walking toward her home when the man hit her with his car and drug her through a ditch, killing her instantly. It was not until the next morning when he saw her blood and hair stuck to the front bumper of his car when he realized what he had done. This woman was my second cousin whose life was ripped away from her in an instant due to an irresponsible driver. No person should choose to get behind the wheel if the conditions are at all dangerous.

Many people, including those close to me, get defensive if reminded to drive safely. The message being given is that we are not worried about one person’s driving abilities, we are worried about the responsibility of the other drivers on the roads. Many people drive despite dangerous conditions that may affect themselves or loved ones: Texting, fatigue, distraction, under the influence, or chronic illnesses. I know that I cannot logically prevent all people from driving in unsafe conditions. To help promote safety, I regularly revisit the rules of the road to ensure that I myself am driving in the best interest of those around me. Additionally, I openly discuss the importance of safe driving with those in my life. This may include my community, my friends, and my family. By doing so, I will know that I did my part to promote defensive driving, proper driving education, and help prevent accidents on the road.

Works Cited

“Road Safety Facts.” Association for Safe International Road Travel, ASIRT, 

www.asirt.org/safe-travel/road-safety-facts/.

Essay Word Count, excluding header and citations:

497 Words, of 538