Everyone’s Responsibility

“In the Driver’s Seat.” – ‘Everyone’s Responsibility’

On that night, I wasn’t the one in the driver’s seat. And after that night, I don’t think I will ever be in the driver’s seat. The night where I almost got into a car accident and lost my life, highlighted to me that I can’t be responsible for handling another person’s life on the road. Whilst my classmates were getting their driving lessons and licenses, I dreaded every time I would enter a car.

I was 15 when I was almost involved in a car accident. A relative came to take me home, and I wasn’t aware that they were drunk. After that night, I found out that everyone else in the room knew, except me. Everyone failed me.

When we were driving back home, I became aware that the person driving was drunk: they were driving hectically, switching from speeding to slowing, driving unsteadily. They were completely out of it. I didn’t know what to do; panic overtook my body, I became numb, and I was convinced I was going to die. I didn’t know what to do, or to say. That night, everyone failed me.

Since that night, before I get into any car, I always check the state of the driver. I sit in the back because that is where my survival chances are higher. I keep my hands on the door handle, ready for a ‘tuck and roll’. I always have excuses ready to stop the car; ‘I feel sick.’

But I shouldn’t have had to endure a traumatic event to realise that everyone is responsible for driver safety, not just the driver. Drivers ed shouldn’t only be about being a safe driver; it’s also about being a safe pedestrian, safe passenger, and a safe person.

Education is essential in reducing the number of deaths during driving. The foundation of drivers ed is awareness- knowing that safe driving isn’t only the responsibility of the driver. It is everyone’s responsibility.

Reducing the number of deaths starts with educating young people. Crashes and fatality rates are highest at 16-18; this illustrates that education must be started early.

Multiple methods must be used to ensure driver safety.

Communication campaigns can demonstrate the dangers of unsafe driving. Workshops in school are also a great resource. I wasn’t aware of the power that I had as a passenger until a workshop I had at my school. Most notably, I was taught techniques to reduce a driver’s speed. Legislation must also be effectively employed and must target areas of particular risk to young drivers.

But that isn’t enough. Alongside that, active learning methods have to be applied. Courses that are more focused on safe driving in action, not in theory for young drivers that make individuals conscious of their driving actions are crucial.

Drivers ed is knowing your options and your power. Driving isn’t for everyone; if you believe that you won’t be able to keep yourself and other’s safe- don’t drive.