Lessons Learned, Drive Safe or Lose All

 As a new driver, I can understand the importance of driver education, especially in reducing deaths. There is a lot to learn about driving, some through reading a manual, practicing on the road and learning from others. I had discussions before turning 16 with my mother when studying for my permit and she explained the requirements for her to obtain her license. Those have changed significantly over the last thirty years and I feel it is all for the better. Going from reading a book, passing an exam and obtaining a license in thirty days to being able to learn and practice driving with a licensed driver over a longer period of time and in multiple settings. It’s hard to imagine how easy it was to get a license back then with very little education. Part of that education now includes required classes that help to learn details about laws, what to expect, driving errors, etc. Education is key to gaining knowledge that helps students become better drivers. Otherwise, many people would just guess about what to do or not be informed enough of the importance of safe driving.

I have experienced the potential of what could happen when I was involved in a car accident with friends. The driver wasn’t paying attention and pulled out in front of another car. It was very scary for me as I didn’t realize what had happened and I was worried and overwhelmed. Thankfully everyone was okay but I know many others have died in similar situations. After the accident myself and another passenger left to go back to our high school. We had band practice and didn’t know we weren’t supposed to leave the scene. That was something I didn’t ever learn until then. I was 14 and contacted by police to check on me. I then called my mom who didn’t know at the time to inform her police would be calling her; and they did. My mom said it was scary for her to learn about the accident but thankful I had called her first. Though no physical harm, she was worried about the impact on my mental health. I had to play with the band at a football game that night. I was still very excited and nervous from the accident, more upset than I realized. I was relieved when my mom showed up to check on me in person and asked to take me home. There would have been no way I could have played with the band that night. I went home, shaken and scared from the accident and wasn’t calm until the following morning. I knew then the possible consequences of what could of happened to me or any of my friends. It is a day I will never forget and a day that has impacted my life forever.

I have since also become aware of another accident that my mom, grandparents and aunt experienced when my mom was very young. They were hit by a drunk driver in a head-on collision. The accident caused my mother and grandfather who were in the passenger seat to hit the front windshield and break it; my grandmother had serious injuries as the driver and my aunt, who was laying in the back seat had more severe injuries to her legs to the point she has ongoing problems today. During that time, seat beats weren’t required by law and the consequences of drunk driving were minimal. My family had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance for treatment and thought they survived, the only compensation received was $10,000 for medical expenses for a lifetime of trauma and physical injury.

I believe additional steps could be taken to reduce deaths from distracted or impaired driving. Perhaps ongoing requirements that test knowledge and driving skills every five years to ensure all persons understand the laws and safety issues. Although they have changed from my mother’s accident to my own, more severe consequences for impaired driving could still be considered with regular safety monitored through court or yearly exams. Vehicles could also be equipped with easier ways for managing phone calls and text messages, so others aren’t distracted. This has also come a long way, but there is always room to improve when addressing safety concerns that manufacturers can consider.

Two years after my accident, I began studying for my permit and then driving. I was very anxious the first few times behind that wheel and had the memories of the accidents on my mind. Though I couldn’t forget, I used that experience to learn about how to be a better driver. I learned how important it is to be a safe driver and how to be always cautious. I do not want to cause an accident and hurt others or bring harm to myself or my friends that may be with me. I make sure to use everything I learned in my driver’s education class every day. I even monitor my family members when driving as a voice of safety when a passenger. That’s because my life and the lives of my loved ones are too important to risk a distraction or poor decision. Just be safe, learn the lessons you need to be safe.