A $50 Economics Tradeoff: Making Safe Choices Affordable for Students

I remember the first time I sat behind the wheel, my heart racing with excitement. The open road was calling, promising freedom and adventure. As a high schooler, nothing felt more exhilarating than cruising down the highway, music blasting, the world at our fingertips. In those moments, the car was more than just a vehicle – it was a passport to independence, a symbol of adulthood, a newfound freedom! Little did I know that sense of freedom was intoxicating. One night, my roommate, usually the responsible one, had too much to drink at our friend’s party. Fumbling for her keys in between incomprehensible slurs, I watched helplessly and realized how close we were to becoming another statistic – another tragic headline about teens and drunk driving. I realized what my parents meant when they say a car is more than a vehicle, it is a weapon. That close call was a wake-up call, forcing me to confront the dual nature of driving – its power to liberate, but also to destroy. It sparked my passion for finding innovative solutions to prevent drunk driving among teens, solutions that acknowledge the appeal of driving while safeguarding against its potential dangers.

With the rise of AI and its capabilities, it unlocks a new frontier for innovative solutions. One which resonates strongly with me is the implementation of alcohol detection systems in vehicles for licensed drivers. If someone under the influence wanted to start the engine, visible cues such as slurring of words and fumbling behaviourisms would be flagged for intoxication and prevented the car from starting. These systems can be more than just a restrictive measure. They could be integrated with smart displays that not only prevent the car from starting but also provide immediate alternatives. Picture a screen lighting up with options for ride-sharing services, or a one-touch button to call a pre-designated safe ride. This way, the technology doesn’t just say “no” to drunk driving; it offers a “yes” to responsible choices, preserving the freedom that driving represents while mitigating its risks. In that crucial moment, when judgment is impaired and the desire for freedom overrides caution, this technology could serve as a life-saving barrier.

When seeing my roommate aimlessly jamming the key everywhere but the keyhole, it cemented my decision to leave the car and Uber us home,… at a cost of $50 – a significant chunk of my already tight budget. As an economics major, I recognized the trade-off: my life and others’ safety were worth far more than that $50 uber ride. However, I know especially well how many of my peers (especially under the influence) might not make the same calculation when faced with the immediate financial pinch. I’ve seen firsthand how the high cost of ride-sharing services tempt college students to make dangerous decisions. That’s why I believe the key to preventing drunk driving among us lies in making safe alternatives more affordable. The only options available in situations like mine are to Uber or find a willing sober friend in the middle of the night. Frankly, our options are limited. But, if we were to implement a subsidized ride-sharing program for college students, where a swipe of a student ID unlocks heavily discounted rides during peak party hours. Or a campus-wide volunteer designated driver system, where sober drivers earn credits towards parking fees or meal plans. We could also implement late-night campus shuttles that extend to popular off-campus spots, providing free and reliable transportation when we need it most. By making safe rides home as cheap and easy as possible, we remove a major excuse for drunk driving.
Of course, technology alone isn’t the complete answer. It needs to be coupled with comprehensive drivers education that goes beyond traditional scare tactics. We need interactive workshops where teens can experience simulated drunk driving scenarios and navigate driving with impaired vision and delayed reaction time. These immersive experiences would allow us to feel firsthand how much control we give up when under the influence, making the consequences tangible, memorable and personal. Moreover, the inclusion of peer-led initiatives in schools could harness the power of social influence. As teens, we’re more likely to listen to our friends than to adults. By empowering students to lead awareness campaigns and organize safe driving pledges, we can create a culture where responsible driving is the norm, not the exception. One of the rare times I’d say this, but we can harness the power of cancel culture for the greater good.

The night I watched my roommate fumble for her keys, slurring her insistent words reaffirming she can drive, I saw firsthand how quickly our cherished freedom could become a deadly weapon. That moment of fear crystallized the true nature of our responsibility as drivers. We stand at a crossroads, where the intoxicating freedom of the open road intersects with the grave potential for tragedy. By implementing AI-driven detection systems, creating affordable ride alternatives, and fostering a culture of accountability through peer-led education, we can transform our relationship with driving. We’re not just preventing accidents; we’re redefining what it means to be behind the wheel.

The car that once symbolized our independence can either liberate us or destroy us – the choice is ours. As we turn the key in the ignition, let’s remember that we’re not just starting an engine, but wielding a powerful tool that demands our utmost respect and responsibility. Our generation has the power to ensure that every journey ends safely, turning potential weapons back into the vehicles of freedom they were meant to be. The road ahead is clear: let’s drive towards a future where the thrill of independence never comes at the cost of a life.