While driving late at night with my family, traffic unexpectedly came to a stop. My father reacted instantly and changed lanes. Moments later, a texting, intoxicated driver slammed directly into the car in front of us. The fear of being in that accident, what if that crash was more severe would we have made it out alive? What if in that moment the driver was driving much faster than they already were, how many lives would have been lost because of one mistake. Everything came rushing to me at once, the weight of the situation and every other possibility of it happening again. Even though I made it out unscathed, what if the next time isn’t so lucky. Realizing just how close we came to being in this accident showed me how dangerous one careless driver can be. 

Yet such accidents can easily be prevented. Driver’s education plays a key role in reducing the number of driving-related deaths, including crashes, speeding, fatigue, distractions, and other forms of careless driving. Driver education helps new drivers understand the rules, potential dangers, and how their irresponsible actions can lead to serious consequences. A driver must always be aware not only of their own behavior but also of other drivers, because anything can happen while on the road. By teaching necessary skills and rules, drivers will be more prepared to react appropriately and are less likely to cause or be in accidents.

To reduce the number of driving-related deaths, every driver must remind themselves of the dangers that can occur at any moment. Before starting the vehicle, drivers should put on their seat belts, check their mirrors, and test their lights. Enforcing fines or consequences makes people less likely to engage in behaviors such as speeding or driving illegally. Without repercussions, many drivers do not see a threat in doing whatever they please, even when it puts others at risk. Signs, ads, flyers, and news articles are also good ways to spread awareness because even if someone doesn’t think about it at first, the message stays with them throughout the day. According to the Canadian Association of Road Safety or also known as CRASP, environmental factors such as rain or snow account for more than 20% of collisions due to unsafe or reckless driving. The organization encourages drivers to be careful in poor conditions by driving more slowly, avoiding any slipping on icy or wet roads, and being more attentive to their surroundings. Even though these may seem like simple changes or common knowledge, they are usually overlooked, causing more harm. 

My own experience has made me want to become a safer and more attentive driver. I know that even taking your eyes off the road for a second could lead to a collision or worse, death. I will always keep my eyes on the road, avoid texting while driving, be aware of others, follow speed limits, and maintain a safe distance between cars. If something like this were to ever happen to me, I would have enough space to react, just like my dad did. Every time I drive, I want to check, stay alert and aware, and be attentive so that an accident like this will not happen again. Even if this accident was small, it still scared everyone involved because if the car had been going any faster, it could have been much more severe.

Helping others become safer on the road may seem like a simple task, but many factors influence whether someone speaks up. For example, if a driver is driving recklessly in a group setting, it is more difficult to speak up for fear of being shunned or seen as “too uptight” or “boring.” But it is better to say something if they’re driving too fast than not say anything and regret it seconds later. I can also set a good example when I drive by staying calm in intense situations, following all road rules, and adapting to whatever may come my way. Also, if someone is tired, upset, or just not in the mood, I would offer to drive instead, with a clear mind, so they can relax and stay safe.

Driver education matters. Not only does it teach the necessary skills for the road, but it also explains the consequences of not following these rules. Showing how it will not only affect them but also the people around them. By taking every precaution and action to stay safe, deaths on the road will decrease, and others will feel safer driving rather than living in constant fear of what may happen next.