I remember the moment I saw the text. “PaShence passed away.” I didn’t know what to think. Was this some kind of sick joke? Nothing made sense. I didn’t feel anything at first, as if my brain couldn’t process what I was being told. I spent an hour having a battle in my head before the tears finally began to flow. Everything set in so fast, yet I still had trouble coming to terms with the fact that my friend was dead.

On July 13, 2022, PaShence’s mother and her family had to bury PaShence, while her father fought for his life in the hospital. I couldn’t bring myself to go to the burial. Even after I had accepted her death, it didn’t feel real. It was as if for the first time, I had realized death could come at any time, at any age.

PaShence and her father were involved in a serious car crash, the fault falling on the other driver. As a result, PaShence lost her life at 16 years old. She was a dear friend of mine, one that will always hold a place in my heart. I feel for her family, who had to see this child taken from them at such a young age like so many others.
I have seen what unsafe driving can do to families. I understand the horrors, why driving instills so much fear into people. It is because of this reason that I take extreme caution on the road. I paid close attention to my driver’s education classes. As I work towards my getting a driver's license, I listen closely to my driving mentors when I am on the road. My biggest fear is being the person someone’s family has to look at when being told their family member’s life was taken from them. I refuse to put myself in this position. I refuse to force a family into burying a loved one.
I remind myself of the responsibility I carry on the road. Driving is not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about ensuring that everyone on the road—myself included—arrives safely. When I keep this in mind, it strengthens my commitment to making the roads safer for everyone. In-depth driver’s education, effective law enforcement, and personal accountability are key to creating a safer driving culture.
Some may think driver’s education is nothing but common sense, and it may be for some. But common sense isn’t as common as it seems. Driver’s education is a requirement for a reason. Irresponsible drivers take lives every day, for reasons that a single driver’s education class could prevent. These classes undoubtedly save lives, drilling driving safety into your head before you step out onto the road. There is no excuse for irresponsible driving.
Educators are not the only people who hold responsibility for reducing irresponsible driving. We must also focus on the authority figures who dedicate their lives to enforcing road safety. Our police officers play key roles in getting reckless drivers off the road, and ensuring that they will not endanger the public again. Their enforcement efforts, from issuing citations to conducting sobriety checks, are essential in preventing dangerous behaviors and maintaining order on the road. Although many do fulfill their duties, there are far too many times where reckless drivers have not been caught, or have gotten off the hook. This can not stand. If reckless drivers are continuously allowed to terrorize the roads, there will be no safe space for anyone to travel.
Despite this, education and enforcement will not make enough of a change on its own. We must recognize the role of personal responsibility in driving safely. Every driver must adhere to traffic laws and avoid distractions. With the many incidences of drunk driving, this especially includes being aware of their limitations to alcohol and drugs. Until every driver is committed to considering the safety of others, car accidents will continue to claim lives.
Creating a safer driving culture is a multifaceted challenge that requires the effort of individuals, educators, and law enforcement alike. As drivers, we must embrace our role in this shared responsibility. It’s not just about following the rules; it’s about understanding the weight of the responsibility that comes with operating a vehicle. Each time we drive, we have the power to influence the safety of ourselves and everyone around us. By committing to responsible driving, respecting the laws, and supporting effective enforcement, we can collectively make a significant impact on road safety.