You Are Not The Only Driver On The Road

You Are Not The Only Driver On The Road

2020 Drivers ed Essay Contest Submission

Nicolette Turner, Class of 2021

On January 3, 2011, my aunt left work early to pick up my cousin from school. Her route from her office and the school required a trip on the freeway, which was undergoing construction at the time. Lanes were closed, making driving more complicated. To her left was a giant tow truck. To her right was an RV. Both lanes were merging into hers. As she sped up to pass the RV, the tow truck hit her mirror, broke her window, and hit the back of her car. She lost control, hitting the construction rails; her car tipped on its side and slid across the freeway. Her left arm got stuck underneath the car, preventing blood from flowing out uncontrollably. The car wasn’t moved until an ambulance arrived. She was taken to the hospital where her arm was amputated.

I am fortunate to share that my aunt is a survivor of dangerous driving practices. Meanwhile, many victims are not. According to the Association of Safe International Road Travel, on average, over 38,000 Americans die per year as a result of car accidents.

Drivers ed is necessary for every individual that has ever sat in the driver’s seat. I cannot stress enough how necessary it is for drivers to know what safe driving truly looks like. We are taught to be “defensive drivers,” but never selfish ones. A defensive driver drives safely to protect themself and those around them. A selfish driver is concerned with their own safety and no one else’s, just like the tow truck driver after hitting my aunt. The accident was a hit and run; to this day, he hasn’t been found. Selfish drivers are dangerous because they lack compassion for other drivers. Safe driving means benefiting everyone on the road, not just yourself. Safe driving is not selfish driving.

To reduce the number of driving-related deaths, drivers must be aware of their surroundings. It’s important for drivers to understand universal traffic laws. However, they also must be empathetic and remember that they are not the only ones on the road. Roads are meant to be shared, and they work best when they are used in the safest manner possible.

My aunt’s story has a special place in my heart. It’s the reason why I am extra mindful while driving, why I do my best to abide by traffic laws at all times, and why I will continue to look out for others while driving. What happened to her is something I’d never wish upon anyone. Is it worth cutting someone else off if it means putting their life in jeopardy? Absolutely not. Doing something as easy as waiting three seconds until the lane is clear can save a life. Each of us can contribute to improving road safety by respecting the rules. Be a defensive driver, but don’t be selfish. Find it in your heart to drive safely and care for others. Do it to avoid putting your life, and theirs, at risk.