Thriving, Driving, and Surviving

Transportation is a vitality for those privileged enough to afford it. Luckily, I hold that privilege. Though it may not seem like it, people spend a decent amount of their life driving and being a passenger, myself included. It is easy to desensitize yourself to other cars. It’s just a moving metal box, right? However, there are families in those metal boxes, friends, people driving to work who depend on it. It’s important to remember all the factors, dynamics, and possibilities that play into everyday life, even in the car. Human life is beautiful, and everyone must remember that no matter where they go or what they do. Safety and responsibility are essential when driving because encountering distractions and hazardous drivers are inevitable.

The importance of driver’s education is paramount to prevent the deaths and injuries of others. I am lucky that my parents are expert drivers, able to navigate the havoc of both cities and unpaved country sides, always aware of their surroundings. Drivers are accountable for themselves, their passengers, and others on the road. It is imperative that they remain sober, focused, and cautious of other drivers. To promote a safer atmosphere around driving, it is important that police officers patrol notorious areas prone to accidents and speeding. Additionally, it is necessary that drivers understand the consequences of lousy driving and defying the rules.

To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of preventative measures and responsible driving behaviors. While restricting licenses and driving privileges are already known, people often forget the severity of it and the possibility of jeopardizing their safety, as well as others. Vocalizing these issues on the media and in daily life can reduce accidents, increasing safety. This means fewer deaths and injuries while also fostering a better morale and safer community on the road.

Putting the people I love in harm’s way is my greatest fear, especially on the road. Many people experience loss or even cause it due to recklessness, from texting, drinking, and anything in between.

When I was in 4th grade, while my older sister was walking my dog, she was involved in a hit and run accident. Thankfully she survived with curable third-degree burns. My dog and best friend, Panda, however, did not. Not only did this traumatize me and my family, but we also lost a member. Panda was the most beautiful and kind dog this world had to offer. She understood, comforted, and listened to me. People underestimate the lives of pets. But Panda was not just a pet — she was my best friend and sister, always in my corner when I needed her. I think of her often. But I also think about the possibility of losing my older sister, and how much worse the incident could have been.

I am lucky.

I think about that every day.

The town, our friends, family, and faith supported us in our tragedy. Even so, when my family pushed the town legislators for crosswalks and safety lights to blink when someone crosses, we were rejected time after time. This ignited a fire within our community and my family, especially my dad. He pushed for change, going house to house, and spreading the story, repeatedly talking to our town’s administration, and eventually running for mayor. It was his first time engaging in politics, and while he lost (by just a hair!), his persistence made real change.

Eventually, various safety signs were established, all the crosswalks are re-painted and made reflective, and a blinking light was constructed on the crosswalk my sister was hit. This was not an easy action to implement and demonstrates that testing the limitations of those in power, even within a microcosm, can result in significant changes to systems and exerting influence.

To foster a safer community, I am committed to having difficult conversations, reiterating rules, and promoting driver and passenger safety. Driver and passenger safety are necessary in all vehicles to create a better world. The emerging technology that comes with new vehicles often lowers peoples’ guards, making them reliant on advancements. Slacking off because of dependency is detrimental to personal and societal safety. Enforcing the rules of the road to everyone helps drivers and future drivers adopt a better mindset when navigating. Drivers ED is crucial to build a foundation for safety, order, and precaution. Often, careless people pass this test. However, surfacing stories and integrating basic rules with media or signs on the road can effectively help people internalize the importance of security and preventative measures on the road.