I’m a new driver, I got my permit in July of 2025 and I am a senior who now currently drives to and from school everyday. My parents were tired of picking me up and dropping me off every time that I had a school event to attend. It was a struggle however going from a permit to my driver license. I know driving is supposed to be easy to learn, my mom said it was like riding a bike once you learn you always remember. When I was getting ready to take my road test my parents didn't worry, no, they were sure I would pass. On the way there my dad and I saw a car wreck so we started talking about how important it was for me to stay careful on the road. That's when my dad told me a story I would never forget. 

 He said when he was first learning how to drive he didn't go to a driving school or take classes he instead was taught by my grandpa. He started working for my grandpa when he was 13 years old and would drive on the way to and from whenever they would go. By the time he was 15 years old he had already been driving for a while and had his own car. He said he would go out late driving with his friends to no destination just to get out on the streets and feel the breeze. They never had any issues until one night while they were driving out late, he and his friends were driving fast down the highway because it was dark and not a lot of cars around. His friends had gotten food and were on their way back to one of their houses driving fast and music turned up to the max. One of his friends was telling the rest of them a story and caused my dad to turn back for a second to hear what his friend was saying. The next thing he knows his friend in his passenger seat starts calling out for him to watch out for another car in front of them and they were going so fast they weren’t able to slow down fast enough before they crashed right up behind the car in front of them. The car went flying and my dad said the next thing he knew was that everything went black. When he finally regained consciousness there were police, firetrucks, and paramedics on the scene. 

My dad was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and his other friends had a couple of injuries as well but were more minor except for the person who was in the passenger seat. The person who was in the passenger seat had apparently died at the scene. That person was one of my dad’s closest friends that he had known from elementary school gone in an instant. The person who was in the car in front of them had died as well. My dad said when I got my license that I was not allowed on highways and no more than two other people in the car. The fact of the matter is that impaired driving doesn’t have to involve alcohol or texting distractions but it can be family, friends, people we care about. I feel like it’s harder to ignore people you enjoy driving with because you can’t put the people around you on silent. My dad’s friend since elementary could have been able to watch the graduation stage with him if it wasn’t for that night. 

My dad said that they had a ceremony for him at his graduation. He doesn't blame the guy who distracted him for what happened, rather himself because it could have been prevented. He could have chosen to stay that night and ordered food there. 

The story scared me to the point I completely freaked out. I ended up failing the road test and would need to take it again. My dad noticed that what he said really affected me and so he explained that while it was an unfortunate event it serves as a reminder of why he needs to drive safely to protect us every day when we are riding in the car. Now when I drive I usually drive my sister and her friend but I let them know that I need to keep my eyes on the road and to keep the noise to a minimum. Even with friends I don’t drive in absolute silence but small conversations and some music in the background. I know it may sound boring but as someone who has only been driving by myself for such a short period of time I feel it’s necessary before something happens that I can’t take back.