Discipline

Drivers ed Initiative Award – Summer 2019

Name: Alexis Tibbs
From: Philadelphia, PA
Votes: 51

Driving
is a pact of respect because it’s a gambit risking life for
convenient travel. Despite knowing this, many break this pact and
drive without caution. It’s because the normality of driving
desensitizes people. The risk factor has seemingly gone so low, that
most aren’t afraid to gamble with people’s lives. We trust
strangers in adjacent lanes to protect us. But in that sea of
vehicles you don’t know their mindset, health, dependable, their
awareness. Yet, it’s assumed they would keep you safe.

A
child won’t understand why they shouldn’t touch fire until you
educate them, or until they get burned. You can enforce more laws,
scare tactics, punishments, but they will not care until it affects
them. Most people toy with life because they’re oblivious to
tragedy. They haven’t dealt with a killed loved one, immobilizing
injuries, or the absolute terror associated with killing someone.
Education is so critical because it’s the closest replica to these
experiences. It enforces our lack of empathy and respect.

Before
blaming road conditions or poor skill, we must recognize that the
main problem is our choices. Most deaths are caused by distracted and
reckless driving, the most popular being phone usage, drunk driving
and speeding. Reducing these habits is simple. Just stop. Be mindful
of time to reduce speeding. When drinking, plan ahead and use ride
sharing services. Turn off phone notifications. Utilize smart car
abilities. If you’re dying to partake in a distraction, just pull
over.

However,
simple isn’t equivalent to easy. These changes require a strong
change in mentality. It’s extremely difficult because you’re
rewiring human nature. The ego likes to justify the gamble. It makes
your overestimate your abilities to get what you want. These
misjudgments give the word accident its name. That’s why it’s our
goal to understand as humans, we are not invincible. We are fragile
and imperfect.

I
have not gotten into an accident. But, my twin brother’s friend
died when he was struck by a drunk driver. He was a senior, like I am
now, weeks away from the finish line. He didn’t get to walk across
that stage. His parents didn’t get to hug him after he got his
diploma. In an instance his existence was erased. I’m terrified
because despite seeing peers in casts, students dying, my friends
still zoom out the parking lot happy and careless.

That’s
why I want to encourage open conversations. No more sugar coating. No
more hiding from reality. If I’m the child, show me your scars.
Show me the physical and mental burns you suffered so I might not
receive the same. We do just enough to get our license. That’s it.
Thus, our empathy, focus, technique, breaks down into bad habits. The
only way to improve is through practice, repetition. So, if I forget,
remind me. Let me take defensive driving courses. Remind me of your
story. To ensure our safety, these steps are for me, and anyone that
lacks compassion and knowledge on the road.