Wow!  Officially 16 and able to drive a car, the independence, freedom, and excitement it brings is unmatched. But while everyone celebrates this milestone, what’s often left out of the conversation is the tremendous responsibility that comes with sitting behind the wheel. , and to truly appreciate that privilege, enrolling in a driver education program should be mandatory.  

Driving is not just about learning to operate a car, it’s about understanding how your choices can impact lives, including your own. That’s why impaired driving is such a critical issue. Many people think “impaired” only refers to alcohol, but that’s just one piece. Impairment can also be drugs, texting, fatigue, or even very intense emotions.  As all of these can limit your ability to focus, react, or drive safely.  Distracted driving, especially due to phone use, is one of the most prevelant among drivers today and just as dangerous as impaired driving. 

I’ll never forget the moment that changed how I view road safety and the power that is involved in the choices made behind the wheel.  It was Thanksgiving, and my family had just left my grandparents’ house. My mom was driving. My dad was in the passenger seat, and my sisters and I were happily singing songs in the back seat. We stopped at a red light. Suddenly, my mom shouted, as she was staring into the rear view mirror “He’s not stopping! Why isn't he stopping” I turned around just in time to see a massive red semi-truck barreling toward us. The impact was terrifying. Our car jolted forward with a loud crash. Thankfully, we were all wearing seat belts, and no one was seriously hurt, but the fear and chaos of that moment stayed with me. It taught me something more powerful than any textbook could, you don’t have to be at fault to suffer the consequences of someone else’s unsafe choices. For days afterward, I replayed the scary scene in my head.  What if we hadn’t been wearing our seatbelts?  What if someone had been leaning forward or distracted?  That one moment showed me how quickly everything can change and how someone else’s poor decision can impact an entire family.  It made me promise myself that I would never be the reason someone else felt that kind of fear.

That’s why driver education is more than just a box to check to obtain your license, it is a life saving tool.  When we, new drivers, are taught about the real-life consequences of impaired and reckless driving, they are more likely to take safety seriously.  Good driving programs go beyond the basics; they teach traffic laws, the importance of seat belts, how to handle emergencies and how dangerous distractions and impaired driving truly are.  The programs also encourage defensive driving, being aware of your surroundings and anticipating mistakes.

There are numerous ways we can reduce driving related deaths.  It starts with enforcing stricter laws around reckless driving, speeding, and driving under the influence.  We need better roads, clear signage, and improved lighting.  Vehicle technology like lane departure warnings, automatic braking and blind spot alerts are a great help to drivers to avoid accidents but even the best technology can’t fix bad decisions.

We all have a role to play. Especially as new drivers, we must make conscious, responsible choices every time we get behind the wheel: put the phone away, never drive under the influence of anything, speak up if a friend or family member isn’t in a safe condition to drive and always stay focused when behind the wheel.

By setting the example, sharing what we’ve learned, and reminding others why safety matters, we help shift attitudes toward driving from casual to careful.

Whether you are a brand-new driver or have years of experience, it's never too late to improve your habits and encourage others to do the same.  Everytime we get behind the wheel, we have the power to make choices, that not only protect ourselves but everyone around us. Together through awareness and education, we can reduce accidents and save lives. Because at the end of the day, we all share the road and we all share the responsibility to keep it safe.