In Seconds

Swoosh swoosh. In a matter of seconds, we were spinning like a rogue Tilt-a-Whirl. One moment, I was perfectly content watching my movie in the backseat; the next, there was a loud scraping noise. Finally, the movement stopped, but the butterflies in my stomach lingered. We were lucky. Unfortunately, not everyone is that lucky. The good news is that there are many steps people can take to prevent a potential car crash.

Cutting out distractions is a key factor in limiting the number of vehicle-related deaths. Phones are extremely addicting and are tempting to use while driving. People need to remove the temptation by keeping their devices out of reach and pulling over in a safe place when they need to use them. As tempting as it is to check a text message, your life is way more important. Just taking your eyes off the road for a second, can result in a crash.

One of my friends told me about her experience using a device while driving. She was responding to someone on her phone, looked up, and saw a deer right in front of her. It happened so fast that she had no time to react. She ended up with bad damage to her vehicle but thankfully made it out safely. She told me she was never going to use her phone while driving again. This story influenced me to stay off of mine as well.

Another important factor in decreasing accidents is driver education. Driver education is essential to ensure safe, knowledgeable drivers on the road. Without a required education, roads would be in chaos. People must know the rules of the road and how to get around safely. Driving in busy cities can be extremely dangerous and people need to master the skill of defensive driving. If I didn’t have driver education, I could have caused a crash. I learned the skills I need to watch out for myself and others on the road. My driving instructor made me feel confident getting in the car alone for the first time. He also taught me how to care for the well-being of my vehicle to prevent mishaps.

A few months ago, we had an officer come to our school to teach us about driving around school buses. Unfortunately, many people don’t follow the laws around stopping for buses. There have been numerous casualties as a result of the failure to obey these laws. The officer went over the law and cleared up any confusion the students may have had. Having conversations about driving safely can greatly reduce crashes and injuries. It is important to be aware because knowledge can prevent unwanted hazards.

I have been taking the steps to become a well-trained, aware driver. Firstly, I did all the requirements needed to educate myself on driving. I understand how to get around and follow all laws. I always drive with a seatbelt and never go on my phone. When driving others around, I make sure they use the seatbelt. I never drive under the influence of alcohol or unsafe medications and never get into cars with people under the influence. One of my friends lost a family member from drunk driving. It is devastating to think about and especially upsetting because it could have been prevented. I will always advocate for people to put down their phones and pay attention. If someone I know is driving in an unsafe manner, I won’t be afraid to tell them. It is better to speak up than to wish you did. I would say one of the most important things to do while driving is to remain calm and not get distracted. Even though whatever is happening in the vehicle may seem significant, you and your passengers’ lives are far more valuable.

The next time you are on the road, I encourage you to be aware of the steps you can take to contribute to the safety of the roads. Keep your eyes on the road, pay attention, be a defensive driver, stay calm, and wear your seatbelt. I am glad I have seen the effects of unsafe driving because it has motivated me to promote and be a safe driver. Remember, everyone on the road is trying to get somewhere. Don’t be the person who causes them to never get to their destination. You do not need that guilt with you for the rest of your life. Be safe and responsible. Whenever I think back to that sinking feeling in my stomach, I think of how much of an impact that had on me. I am grateful we were okay and glad I know the importance of being a careful driver. I plan to do whatever I can to support organizations working towards making the roads a safer place.