An Instant That Lasts a Lifetime

Nothing taught to me in the hard plastic chairs, watching seemingly endless, dull videos about driving could have prepared me for the emotions associated with car accidents. I was on vacation when I got the news, enjoying a beautiful day at the lake. The sun had risen and I sat comfortably enjoying it’s warmth on my face alongside my relatives. The seemingly perfect start to a day was suddenly interrupted when I received word that a friend of mine from school had passed away in a car accident.

That sorrowful day seemed to last forever. Thoughts of her positive outlook on life, motivation to succeed, her joyful face on the tennis courts cascaded through my mind the entire day. I began to wonder how the accident took place, and consider if she had left for work just 1 minute later. What if someone could’ve prevented this tragic accident and saved her family and friends from the lifelong pain of her untimely death?

Life seems so care free driving along with the windows down and the sunroof off. Yet, in just one instant a worriless, sun-filled, breezy day can turn into a rush of anxiety, stress and fear. On my way home from school, one wintery day, my mom and I experienced this flash of a moment, the rush of fear. As quickly as the car ran it’s red light, we collided with it and as quickly as we collided I heard my mom scream. After that moment passed, we asked each other if they were okay. Luckily, after some scans at the hospital for my mom, it was determined that there would be no lasting effects of the accident.

Whether the car accident results in the death of someone dear to many people, or leaves a lasting memory in the mind of those affected, one thing is the same: car accidents are never expected and sometimes difficult to prevent. The current drivers training program does nothing to help prepare those involved in an accident for how to conduct themselves after an accident. Classroom instructors need to start informing students on what to do after an accident, what information they need to receive from the other person, and how to remain as calm as possible during the situation. As for the driving instructors, they need to do a better job explaining common situations in which accidents occur while they are driving with the students to help them avoid those dangerous situations and reduce the number of car accident fatalities each year. Providing students with instruction on what to do after an accident, and how to avoid common accidents, will ultimately be the best combination to reduce not only the deaths related to car accidents, but also the lasting effects of the accident.

Driver education plays a vital role in the reduction of car accident deaths per year, but more can be done to prevent these accidents and manage the results if an accident has already occured. Through proper drivers education that focuses more on the impact of car accidents, and steps to avoid collisions on the road, and less on how to draw street signs we can reduce the number of accident related deaths. Being patient, observant and knowledgeable about the rules of the road are great first steps to being a better driver. Not every accident related death can be prevented, and the memory of accidents, fatal or not, will continue to live in the minds of thousands. However, a hope for a brighter future is ahead of us with less accident related deaths through meaningful and proper drivers education classes.