Perspective of the Road

Hopping in the car and driving to meet friends or run errands is a common occurrence. A daily commute to school or work involving a car ride is also not uncommon, especially the United States compared to other parts of the world. However, the unfortunate reality is that automobile accidents and collateral fatalities due to said accidents are also regular occurrences. There are various ways to reduce this danger, but one most accessible and easily implemented is driver education. Understanding the laws of the road is essential for proper driving, along with understanding that attention and awareness while behind the wheel are paramount for safety. Each driver carries responsibility for themselves and everyone else on the road, which is why driver’s education is so important.

With modern technology and social media supplementing in-person conversations, cell phones often dwell within arm’s reach. Many people are addicted to the surge of dopamine following Instagram notifications, the intrigue of a text, or the latest Snapchat update. Phones allow us to stay connected, despite physical distance, however, they also provide a major distraction. The distraction caused by phones is a risk for the driver, any passengers, and other vehicles on the road. Understanding the risk of using a phone while driving is paramount to overall safety. Emphasizing this during driver’s education could help reduce accidence caused by the distraction of a phone and thus reduce driving-related deaths.

Two summers ago, I was driving home from the gym with my brothers in the back seats. We were immersed in conversation about our family and personal struggles and although I was an active participant, I was simultaneously focused on the road. We turned a corner near our house, one that we have driven countless times before. As I executed the turn, a large deer sprinted out from the hill on our left and leaped into the road, directly in our line of motion. I saw the deer and immediately pushed the brakes but there was little time to prepare before collision. My siblings and I braced for impact. The car was totaled and the dear died soon after. With astonishing luck, my brothers and I were physically undamaged, though emotionally rattled from the crash.

This accident made us each thankful for our lives as it illustrated how crashes happen instantaneously. Though we were talking while I drove, I was thankful I had not been looking at a phone or out the other window. Sometimes we can prevent crashes, but there is also an inherent risk when driving that cannot be negated. One moment we were chatting, on our way home, the next, we were on the side of the road, a deer’s life lost. The unfortunate reality is that human lives can be lost just as fast.

I have also had experiences where I felt unsafe as a passenger. One day my friend and I were leaving a parking lot when she pulled out her phone while behind the wheel. Maybe she subconsciously thought that the lack of speed ensured our safety. However, there were many pedestrians, and the visibility was compromised because of all the parked cars. No one was hurt that day, but the risk was elevated as soon as my friend’s focus turned away from driving and she engaged with the content on her phone. It is often uncomfortable for me to give criticism and suggest alternative behavior, even if I feel unsafe. However, when expressing my discomfort, my friends have always responded respectfully, and their driving in result, appears more intentional.

Though it is impossible to eliminate all risks from driving, I think that educating myself about the rules of the road is a good place to start. By prioritizing my attention to my surroundings and the activity of driving, I can keep myself and others safe. Whenever I am in the car with friends or family, I can also make suggestions on how to execute safe driving while emphasizing the importance of focusing without distractions. There are also ways in which passengers can actively support the driver. It may be helpful to designate someone, to the role of DJ, allowing them to control music or other audio. Verbalizing directions is also often beneficial to the driver, especially when navigating unknown roads. Passengers can also keep an eye out for reckless or offensive drivers in neighboring cars, giving the driver warning when necessary. By distributing the responsibilities of driving, not only is the driver’s safety benefiting, but the passengers, and others on the road. Education can help drivers learn what road safety looks like and we can take it upon ourselves to implement such behavior.