What We CAN Do

What We Can Do

My friend Ashton is the best driver I know. He seems to have the needed skill and the right attitude for safe driving. He is constantly anticipating other drivers’ mistakes. Nothing breaks his concentration; not a phone call or text, nor the radio, nor even his passengers can take his eyes off the road. His patience is limitless — road-rage is not in his vocabulary. Self-discipline is his middle name. To top it off, Ashton frequently does his research, making sure he knows driving laws by heart. I’d truly be shocked if I were to find out that Ashton has actually made a mistake while driving.

Reality check: I do not know an Ashton like this. Indeed, I do not know anyone like that ideal Ashton. There is no such thing as a perfect driver, nor will there be. As I was taught in my drivers ed class, the average driver makes 160 decisions in the course of driving one mile. With so many decisions to be made by imperfect people, mistakes will happen. Some mistakes are laughable and minor — I remember one friend who couldn’t keep the gas and brake pedals straight the first time she drove in an empty parking lot. Another friend recounted going the wrong way in a deserted one-way. While their mistakes were luckily inconsequential, smaller mistakes than theirs can result in tragedy.

The unfortunate reality is that there are no perfect drivers, and mistakes are inevitable. Thus, our focus needs to be the minimization of mistakes. As we educate ourselves, we can stimulate good attitudes — and good desires — that every driver should have. I believe that lives will be saved, and roads will be safer, as each driver takes his or her own initiative. I remember being quite overwhelmed by all the detailed laws that come with driving, but it’s not just knowing those things that makes a good driver, it’s knowing enough to want to be safe. Any Joe or Jessica out there could say they know the laws. But what we’re looking for is drivers who show that they know and care about them.

How do we build a society where care and caution are abundant in the way we drive? How do we urge both the minimization of mistakes, and the amplification of awareness on the roads? This may look different for each of us. For one, it looks like setting a goal to turn the phone off the next time they are in the car (and then hopefully continuing to do so). For another, it may look like turning off the radio. Another might sacrifice a glance in the mirror, knowing it could be fatal. Someone else may choose to practice courtesy. Another individual might decide to stop speeding. Others may ask for a ride if they are feeling too drowsy, distracted, or unfit for safe driving. Another will remember to never assume that the road is full of “Ashton’s”, who drive perfectly. Collectively, we will commit to playing our roles on the road as safely and responsibly as possible. This is how we become better drivers; this is how we build a society where care and caution are abundant in the way we drive. Driver’s initiative can minimize mistakes and thus the number of deaths caused by automobiles. Initiating the right desires in American drivers can save lives.

We must all be anxiously engaged in playing our roles on the road as safely as possible. Thankfully, I have never been in an accident where drivers were at fault or injury occurred. But in reading past winners’ and other applicants’ essays, I felt flaring within me a need to drive better; to commit myself to never being the cause of the malities caused in so many automobile accidents. May we all take initiative – today and everyday – towards being safe, defensive, cautious, and educated about driving. We can’t be perfect “Ashton’s”, but we can each be the best version of ourselves behind the wheel. We can save lives. We can set an example, one car, road, or community at a time, sparking the right desires in others along the way.

Works Cited

Julie Luhrsen, “The Most Common Causes of Automobile Accidents.” LG Injury Firm, www.lginjuryfirm.com/common-causes-auto-accidents/. Accessed June 25, 2020.

Ralph Magunje, “Six Characteristics Which Make A Good Driver.” Chronicle, 30 Nov 2011, www.chronicle.co.zw/six-characteristics-which-make-a-good-driver. Accessed 17 June, 2020.

UWT, “Facts on Decision Driving.” United World Transportation, unitedworldtransportation.com/facts-decision-driving. Accessed June 15, 2020.

Woodbridge Driving Lessons Blog, “What are the various qualities of a good driver?” woodbridgedrivinglessons.yolasite.com. Accessed 20 June, 2020.

What is the importance of drivers ed in reducing deaths as a result of driving?

What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?

Have you ever had an experience of being in a car accident? Have you seen friends or family driving irresponsibly?

What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?