Distracted Driving

 Imagine losing your life because of a cell phone.  The small rectangular device that is used to connect people is in fact separating them.  People are being split apart from one another when they choose to call, text or do some other non-technology-based distractions besides driving while on the road.  One always hears about drunk driving or road rage taking lives, but distracted driving is just as dangerous.

Distracted driving is more than cellphone use while driving. It is anytime one takes their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel to accomplish something other than driving. Eating, taking care of the kids in the backseat, driving with your knees, and filming TikToks are all a part of distracted driving.

I used to think that distracted driving was no big deal. I thought I must not be on the phone or I will get a ticket, but no other strong emotion was behind it.  This did not change until my license was suspended because of unpaid parking and speeding tickets. I slowly paid what I could, by some miracle my tickets were paid off, and I could receive my permit. But my permit was not enough, I wanted a license. I was instructed by the Department of Motor Vehicles that in order to receive my license I must first watch a video. The video was called “Impact Texas Drivers”.

            “Impact Texas Drivers” was a public service announcement (PSA) and it was so sad that I cried all throughout it.  In the video, there were so many examples of drivers losing their lives because of a call, text, or other distraction. One girl was putting on makeup while driving and killed pedestrians and her passenger.  In another scene, one guy’s phone was found on the dash board under all the broken glass of the windshield. This happened because he was texting and driving.  I was forced to face the reality that people die due to distracted driving. 

            Some people may say that it is just a text or call and nothing will happen. It is just for a second, it won’t hurt anything. But one second with your eyes off the road can be the second that takes your life.  The decision to turn down distractions is a decision all drivers have to make.   No one thinks distracted driving could be so fatal.  That’s why drivers continue to drive while being distracted. 

 Distracted driving is a choice, and is a fatal one.  When people drive distractedly they put not only their lives at risk, but the lives of others around them. People need to know about the dangers of distracted driving. Education on distracted driving is vital, as it will save lives.  Every time someone is educated on distracted driving and they continue to drive while being distracted, they are saying that they do not care about the next few seconds. They could care less about the accident that is right around the corner. 

I have started taking a stand against distracted driving with my loved one and community members. I won’t let my mom use her cell phone while she’s driving. I give my mom constant reminders to not to be on the phone. I even had to tell one of my church ministers that it was dangerous to text and drive while he was driving the church bus. 

It should not take an accident to halt distracted driving, but sadly this is the case. More should be done to stop distracted driving.  A public service announcement like “Impact Texas Drivers” should be seen periodically by everyone in the driver’s seat. The PSA should be mandatory and be revisited when drivers have to renew their license every few years. All drivers, young and old, should take part in watching a PSA video and then taking a test on that video.  It begins with us. Each person watching a video like “Impact Texas Drivers” and taking a stand against distracted driving.  Because of the dangers, the choice of driving while being distracted should come with more severe punishment including loss of the driving license.  

“Impact Texas Drivers” has changed me for the better. Now, it is eyes front and hands on the wheel at ten and two all the way to my destination. I will carry the lesson of “Impact Texas Drivers” from now on. 

I am a non-traditional student; on my own, an empty nester, and on a new journey to achieve my academic goals. I am working part-time in food service and saving to afford school.  I am committed to completing my education and to doing a good job. This scholarship aligns with my academic goals of completing my associate’s degree and transferring to a four-year university to complete my bachelor’s degree.  I have enrolled at Tarrant County College to complete this goal.   Before this scholarship, I was paying out of pocket for tuition and books.  After this scholarship, the burden of tuition and books would be lifted.  This scholarship money will help alleviate financial burdens so that I can focus on my education and my goal of earning my degree.