Austin Scott: The Physics of Driving

After years of experience on the road, some drivers forget to prioritize safety. Austin Scott wants to remind us of the gravity of operating a vehicle.

I took my drivers permit test on the exact day I turned fifteen and a half. And after almost acing it, I thought to myself, “wow this driving thing is easier than I thought.” But once I finally got behind the wheel, I realized how very wrong I was.

Cars swerving from different directions. Cyclists on the wrong side of the road. Heck, even a guy on the street walking a pig. There was too much going on while driving, and I didn’t feel comfortable nor safe.

After a lot of practice and somehow zero accidents, I gradually gained confidence over my driving. But only my driving. To this day I am still terrified of other drivers. Because it seems like so few people actually follow the rules of the road. It’s pretty much a daily occurrence to see people change lanes without looking or signaling, to glimpse a person staring at their phone on the highway, or to watch a car speed through a school zone.

I think a lot of people have just forgotten how dangerous cars actually are. Remember, the distance it takes to stop increases exponentially the faster you go. At 60 mph, it takes about 180 feet to stop. And by going just 15 miles faster, that stopping distance increases by more than 100 feet, if you react instantly. But for a normal person, they will travel an additional 70 feet or more because of the time it takes to react. So, at 75 miles per hour, unless you are more than 350 feet behind the car in front of you, you will almost certainly hit them if they slam on their brakes.

So, the next time you’re late for work, or just got a text while on the road, ask yourself, “is it worth the risk?” Because, the main priority of all drivers should be safety, not self. And in the words of my wise mother: “Car versus human; car wins.”

With a Perspective, I’m Austin Scott.

Austin Scott is a junior in high school and lives in Los Altos. He enjoys reading, skiing, and competing in track and field.