Driving to my Destiny

Imagine living in a world where driver education did not exist. In this imperfect world, I can visualize an older adult crying following survival of a rear-end collision or a bewildered teenager communicating to the police officer following a multi-vehicle accident. This imagery can be seen across the world and exemplifies the significance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths because of driving. Drivers’ education course creates a framework for valuable road skills and instills knowledge of the law to be a safe and dependable driver. This course prepares the driver for various scenarios he or she may encounter while behind the wheel. Although several research articles examine the efficacy of Drivers’ education course, one systematic review showed that “pre-and post-license education by people of all ages led to improvements in secondary outcomes, such as performance, self-perceived driving abilities, behind-the-wheel driving performance, and even a small decrease in traffic offenses. However, education was not effective in reducing crashes or injuries, either at the individual or community level.”

The number of deaths related to driving can be significantly reduced with various strategies to include avoiding alcohol consumption while driving, wearing a seat belt, avoiding cell phone use while driving, following the recommended speed limit, and educating kids at an early age regarding driver safety. Alcohol impaired driving accounts for >30% of overall driving fatalities. We are constantly seeing a shift in individual thought processes where previous generations understood the ramifications of driving impaired. However, my generation feels the complete opposite. I have classmates who express that one beer will not change anything and it’s all in my mind. As a result, I find myself explaining the negative impact of alcohol consumption while creating a safe environment.

I can recall visiting my family one summer in South Carolina and riding with my uncle to the corner store. Although we were only driving five miles down a dirt road to the corner store, I noticed my uncle’s seat belt was not fastened. I later asked my granny about what I observed, and she stated, “He is just going around the corner. Nothing was going to happen!” But what if something did happen? What if a distracted driver rammed into the side of our car? All these thoughts were running through my young mind. We made it to our destination safely, but always wearing a seat belt would significantly increase our likelihood of making it home safely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of significant injury by as much as 50% (and it can reduce the risk of death by 45%).

Having a cell phone in your hand in the state of Georgia could lead to a fine of $50.00 for a first conviction and 1 point assessed against the individual’s driver’s license. This law creates another layer of protection in reducing the number of deaths related to driving. Although this law is in effect, I constantly see individuals driving on the highway holding their cellphones and texting. This behavior is truly reckless and constitutes harsher discipline than a $50 fine and reduction in licensure points. As a teen who loves to text, I refrain from texting while driving and cell phone usage. Such distractions can lead to far deeper tragedies that I would not want my family to endure.

As I drive down the steep hill and the car accelerates to 50mph; which is 5 miles above the speed limit, I hear my dad’s voice say, “Are you speeding? Why are you speeding? How fast are you supposed to be going?” One of the major problems I have when driving is monitoring my speed. In making sure that I comply with the designated speed limits, I ensure my safety as well as those around me.

A famous author once wrote, “Education is the movement from darkness to light.” A key component to reducing the number of accidents is educating kids at an early age. Imagine learning about the negative impact of speeding while driving or using the cell phone while driving while in preschool and having those lessons conducted until high school. The constant repetition of right practices would be embedded in our minds, thus promoting a safer environment.

Several months ago, both my mother and sister were both in a major car accident. My father had dropped me off at the barbershop in preparation for the homecoming dance and instantly my sister called my dad’s phone and began yelling and crying. He ran out of the barbershop and later told me that my sister and mom were in a car accident. I was devastated and in pure disbelief. Because my dad was communicating with the police officers and providing support for my sister and mom, I arranged for an uber to take me home. The fifteen minutes to my home took forty minutes on this day. As I glanced out of the left passenger window, I saw what remained of my mom’s vehicle and both her and my sister hugging my dad and crying. The other driver’s vehicle was severely damaged as well. Days went by before my family explained to me what happened on that Saturday morning. My mom was taking my sister to the nail salon in preparation for the homecoming dance and was driving at a moderate pace through a traffic light. Suddenly, a car made a quick U-turn through a yellow light and rammed into my mom’s vehicle. That quick period of impatience changed our family’s lives forever.

In summary, driving is a privilege that should be practiced with caution daily. Once you enter a vehicle, you are responsible for your life and your actions will affect the lives of others. Each time my family enters a vehicle, my mom says a special prayer asking for protection as we travel the various highways for our daily activities. As a community, we have all the resources needed to reduce deaths because of driving. With comprehensive education, we can foster a safer environment for all citizens.