In the Driver’s Seat

I didn’t even see it coming. I didn’t brace for it, because I had no idea it was about to happen. On my way home from a late hockey practice I was driving up Park Avenue, a main road 4 blocks from my home. I was just shy of 12 weeks licensed to drive in Massachusetts. Suddenly I was jostled as if I was 6 years old again on the trampoline in my backyard. The squeal of the breaks and the boom of the car colliding right into my driver’s side door are sounds I will never shake. Luckily, I did not hit my head, I did not lose consciousness and I could exit my vehicle safely. But my car was totalled. I was dazed, and very scared. I glanced over to see a car load of teenage boys, my very age, hiding beer in the neighbor’s bushes. The crash forced both of our vehicles onto that lawn. One of the passengers was a guy I knew from elementary school. “Seamus, Seamus – are you ok,” he bellowed as he ran towards me. “I’ll call my dad,” he offered. His dad is a police officer. I also called my dad, who arrived on the scene just moments after I called him, a look of worry on his face that I had not seen previously.

A witness to the accident had already called the police who were quick to arrive. The witness stated she saw the other car speed right through the stop sign and fly across the road right into my car. The officer told me if I had not been wearing my seatbelt, it likely would have been a much different outcome. The other driver was issued two citations and brought into the police station for questioning.

My dad had tears in his eyes as he inspected my mangled vehicle, and repeatedly hugged me, saying he was so grateful I was alive. He drove me home, and although it was after midnight, I could not sleep. I kept replaying the accident over and over in my head. I could still hear the sounds as if it was happening again and again. I started researching. In our country an average of 34,000 people die each year due to driving incidents. I took driver’s education classes less than a year prior and I remembered all the statistics they reviewed. That course taught me not only the mechanics of driving but also essential safety practices such as obeying traffic laws, recognizing and responding to hazards, and managing distractions. I did everything right that night, but it still happened. I told myself that things happen and had I been distracted, or did not wear my steatbelt – I could be so much worse off. The other driver did not practice safe driving, as evidenced by the speeding, the alcohol he had in the car and the citations. But I cannot focus on that. I can only focus on me and what I can control.

For days after the accident I was sore all over, and a bit scared to drive again. But the muscle soreness faded and I eventually got back behind the wheel. In the weeks that followed we received many phone calls and letters from lawyers asking us to start a lawsuit – they must review the police records and reach out to accident victims. My family did not pursue a lawsuit. I wanted to focus on moving foward, not rehasing what happened that night.

There are many steps one can take to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. I had to focus on that, after all – I was lucky to be alive. I prepared myself with the knowledge, skills, and judgment necessary for safe driving for a whole year before that accident by attending driver’s ed classes, practicing with the instructors and practicing with my parents. Now I know firsthand the possible consequences of risky behaviors like speeding, driving under the influence, and using mobile devices while driving. I am now practicing defensive driving, by anticipating potential hazards, keeping a safe following distance, and staying alert to the actions of other drivers. I avoid distractions like texting, adjusting settings, or eating while I’m driving. I stay aware of my surroundings by scanning the road, using my mirrors and paying attention to how others around me are driving. I make sure to adhere to speed limits, particularly in residential and school zones, because I remember chasing balls into streets as a small child. With the help of my parents, I ensure that my vehicle is well-maintained by regularly brining it in to check brakes, tires, lights, and signals. Most importantly, I focus on remaining calm even in stressful situations or if other drivers are not being kind. I will not succumb to road rage.

I am now so grateful that I walked away from that accident and also grateful that it prompted me to do self-reflection and really think about the tremdous responsilbilty I have when behind the wheel. I took a plede to myself to do everything possible to keep myself and others safe while on the road.