Name: Alexandra Collins
From: Cecilia, Kentucky
Votes: 0
It
is April 27, 2018, the weather that of a summer day. My excitement
for the upcoming weekend combines with my singing along to the
then-top song, “God’s Plan” by Drake. My brother tells me about
his school day as I merge onto Interstate 65 headed to Louisville,
Kentucky. Dreading our destination, a Friday night practice, I sift
through my bag to make sure I hadn’t misplaced my swimsuit. With my
focus occupied by the search, I failed to notice what would change my
life forever: a semi-truck stopped in traffic. Without enough time to
slow down, my car collided with the eighteen-wheeler, sliding
disastrously under the bumper. A compromised frame, a folded hood,
two deployed airbags, and a shattered windshield later, I hear a
rescue team begin to extract us from the vehicle.
Not
only had my mistake risked the lives of those in my vehicle, but I
was also a catalyst of potential danger to every surrounding driver;
that moment became a turning point in my life. Therefore, I believe
drivers ed is essential. Driving classes thoroughly cover
state laws, allowing aspiring drivers to become accustomed to good
driving habits. In addition, drivers ed will introduce teens
to necessary skills to safely operate a car and maneuver their way
out of a potential accident. Moreover, it is proven that education is
successful in reducing erratic driving. A study conducted by Duane
Shell and Ian Newman at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln showed
that 11.1% of drivers ed students crashed, while 12.9% of
non-students crashed. An article by Tanya Mohn titled, “‘The
Mixed Bag of Drivers ed,” states that “‘the state
requirements for new drivers taking drivers ed prior to licensing are
inconsistent…’ said John Ulczycki, Vice President for the
nonprofit National Safety Council.” Essentially, there are no
national standards for drivers ed. It is obvious that
mandating a national standard of education requirements will improve
the quality of drivers.
Furthermore,
there are measures to reduce car-accident related deaths. Further
enforcement of seatbelt, drunk driving, and speeding regulations is
needed. In 15 states, not wearing a seatbelt is considered a
secondary violation, meaning it is not cause for a ticket unless
accompanied by another violation, allowing drivers get away with it.
Additionally, budget cuts inhibit law enforcement. Another measure is
to make drivers assistance in vehicles more accessible. Lane
assistance, adaptive cruise control, automatic brakes, and hands-free
calling components would all help to prevent accidents.
While
these measures are effective, there are habits everyone can develop
to drive safely. For example, drivers can pledge to stop texting
while driving, to obey traffic laws, and to maintain their vehicles.
In the months following my traumatic car accident, I guilt surfaced
as the consequences of my irresponsibility monopolized me. Since
April 27, 2018, I have promised to become a safe driver and to spread
awareness to help my peers do the same. Together, we can make the
roads a safer place.
