All 3 At Once

400 deaths from texting and driving every year in the United States. 12,330 people killed in 2021 by speeding-related crashes. Every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 39 minutes and yet I survived all 3 at once. It was a life changing moment not only for me, but for my mom and family.

I was 11 heading home from a doctor’s appointment having a conversation with my mom about life and upcoming events, BOOM. My seatbelt locks in on my throat, ears ringing, dizziness with blurry vision, heart pumping, and an odd smell. I wasn’t sure what just happened and where I was anymore. I manage to finally open my eyes and see glass everywhere, blood dripping from my head, the grass, and the sky. I look around for my mom and all I see is white, my heart dropped, I didn’t know what to think. Bystanders notice the crash and stop, still unsure of the location, I hear screaming, talking, cars driving by, and ringing. All first responders get there on the scene, get my mom out, and then managed to get me out. Pitch blackness. Confusion. Lost. Scared. I wake up with lights in my eye, beeping noises, and in a freezing cold unknown room. I was in the hospital with my mom, my dad by my side and siblings with my mom. Thankfully me and my mom were okay and made it out safely with a few months of physical therapy and a few cuts and bruises.

Turns we got hit by a speeding drunk driver who lost focus when he was on the phone causing him to hit me and my mom from the back, which made our car flip. Now I am 16 soon to be 17 and in the point of life where everyone around me is getting their permits or license. My parents also agree that it is time for me to get mine, still having fears of reckless drivers, I agree to get it. During the process of learning how to drive and educating myself with the rules it opened my eyes on different ways I can better myself, so I won’t put others in my shoes. It wasn’t a fun experience or a once and a lifetime thing. This moment in life physically affected my for a few months and will forever affect me mentally, so I will forever understand on why the importance of doing “smallest” or “basic” steps when driving is major and continue to help others understand from my perspective.

Safe driving is many things young kids, and some adults take as a joke. The rules always fly over their head until someone close or themselves end up getting hurt or hurting others. This is super important because once you get hit you will always have some type of fear from cars, it may be minor or major, but it will always stick with you. Not only getting hit, but also causing an accident and realizing what you have done after must be the worst feeling. Taking your time to understand the rules itself is a big step to safe driving but also following them no matter the situation is even bigger. I am fully aware everyone has their moment in life where they must break a few rules to accomplish their needs, but driving should never be one of them. We are all driving in bombs that can be lit any moment in life without realizing it, so taking the time out of our day to drive safe can help you and other have many more future days.

In 2021 42,939 people died by a motor vehicle accident that is nearly Newark, Ohio population size of 50,383 (2023). This alone shows how dangerous driving can be and this doesn’t include those who survive a minor or nearly death experience. You may believe you cannot change something but spreading the word, following the rules, and find better solutions for intoxicated moments can keep you safe. During rough moments or unsure decision, think of yourself, your family, your friends, or your lover. Now think about how you would feel if they would get hurt by the decision you will be making. If you would be hurt, scared, or any type of negative emotion don’t do it, find another solution or always have a back up plan. Never get near the wheel because you are some one’s family, friend, or lover and someone else has a family, friend, or lover.