It Can Wait

After being involved in an extremely traumatic car crash in third grade, I was convinced I would never go behind the wheel. I went through years of therapy to try to ease my worries of even being in a car. Six years later, it finally came time I could get my permit. I was eager to start my driver’s education class. I wanted to be the best driver I could possibly be, because I never wanted to put anyone in the position I was in. It became a priority to take the class seriously and practice driving as much as possible. I passed the class, and that spring I got a driver’s license. I felt confident enough in my ability to drive. I made sure to try to stay off my phone after learning in driver’s education the number of deaths that occur from distracted driving. I always planned my drives ahead of time, and tried my best to follow speed limits. 

Despite my efforts of trying to be a good driver, there are other drivers on the road. Last month, on the eighth of October, my friend Jiselle and I were on our way to my house before our first soccer sectional game. I was driving the same way home I had for the past four years. The worst part of this drive is being on Highway 20, also known as “Bloody 20”, since it’s notorious for fatal car crashes. I was driving in the left lane as we were discussing how nervous we were for the game. The next thing I knew, I heard Jiselle screaming my name as she was trying to escape the mud. A careless driver, who admitted to being on their phone, had crossed the double yellow lines and hit me head on. We were both going about 55 mph when the crash occurred. My car was sent spinning across the two lanes of oncoming traffic when we finally stopped in a ditch. I don’t remember much, except hearing the loud bang, the car spinning for a split second, and the smell of the airbags. I had passed out and Jiselle said that she held my head up against the headrest so I didn’t hit it on anything. When I was finally conscious again, the only way to get out of the car was to climb over the passenger seat since my door was crushed in. We had to walk through mud that was up to our thighs in order to get out of the ditch. When we were finally standing on the grass, I couldn’t stop sobbing. My car’s parts were scattered everywhere, my chest and neck hurt, and my head was spinning. I didn’t think I was going to survive that. There were dozens of first responders, to whom I am forever grateful. We got in the ambulance and were sent to the hospital to be checked out. All I could think about was how lucky we were to be alive. 

It turned out that Jiselle had broken a bone in her back. A week later, I was diagnosed with a concussion. With this being my third car crash, I have started going to counseling again to deal with my PTSD. I’m incredibly grateful to be alive, and even more thankful that I took driver’s education. Not only did I learn useful driving tactics, but it taught me the procedures to take after a crash. I made sure Jiselle was okay, got out of the car as quickly as possible, and made sure to call 911. If the other vehicle wasn’t on the other side of the highway, I would’ve checked on them too.

Since the accident, I am no longer the same person. When I first started driving, I occasionally would check my phone when the road was clear, but now I put it on silent and keep it away. Nothing is ever that important on your phone to check it while driving. Pullover, or let it wait. I can’t imagine going through that again or causing someone else to be in my position. No one should have to go through this experience. I wish other people would understand how dangerous it is to be on your phone while driving. It is so frustrating to drive and see people on their phones, completely oblivious to what’s in front of them. Not only is it illegal, it is incredibly selfish. I’m disappointed at my past self for ever considering going on my phone while driving. It can wait.