A View to Remember

A View to Remember

The music was blasting: “When the sun shine, we shine together”. My mother and sister accompanied me as I dropped my brother off at school like we did so often. I approached the intersection leading out and stopped at the bright red light in front of me. At sixteen years old I knew the rules of the road. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the women who ran her red light as mine turned green. She smashed right into the side of our 2002 Toyota Corolla that my father, sister and I eventually had the privilege to drive. That was the end of “Dillan’s” life; he was sent to the junkyard soon after we were sent to the hospital.

Many students go their whole life without drivers education. Countless of my friends have shown up to take their driver’s test without studying and have passed by winging it. Though it may seem like common sense to some, the particulars of safe driving can be difficult to grasp. Specifically, teens with inexperience should learn defensive driving techniques and each of us should take a breather by slowing down. Everyone must share the road and the most efficient way to do so is by obeying the rules. Until flying cars are invented, and everyone can afford to buy one, the rules of the road are here to stay: “Told you I’ll be here forever”.

If I had the wisdom to look both ways before I entered the intersection, my collision would’ve been prevented. Just as they teach young kids to look both ways before crossing the street, a driver’s education on safety protocols is just as important. I was never taught how to properly react in that situation. All I could do was watch as the car hurdled down the road straight at me. Yet still, with the support of loving my family, I passed my intermediate drivers test with flying colors the very next day: “S

aid i’ll always be your friend, take an oath i’ma stick it out to the end”. If defensive driving skills like being aware of your surroundings were explicitly tested on, then I am positive the rate of accidents would go down.

Within the last two decades, speeding was involved in approximately one in every three motor vehicle accidents. My song went on: “Now that it’s raining more than ever, know that we’ll still have each other.” That day, on January 21st, 2020, the woman who hit us was speeding through the intersection to try to beat the light. Consequently, she sent our car spinning out of control for two and a half rotations. Luckily, no other cars were in the vicinity. Alas, not everyone is as fortunate as I am. With a little time management and some respect for those around you, speeding can be prevented. However, those are difficult concepts to teach. Everyone grows up with their own morals and methods. Getting the word out about car accidents could motivate the community to drive more cautiously. However, I believe setting a good example myself is the best way to show those around me the courtesies of the road.

Driving is an essential part of a modern lifestyle. Without it, the world would be years behind in innovation, communication and performance. Hell, it is so important that everyday people risk their lives to get where they need to be. The country needs to be united under an umbrella of safety through education to protect innocent lives from the storm of dangerous driving. The music would never stop: “You can stand under my umbrella”.