Name: Kiera Fennell
From: Peoria, Illinois
Votes: 0
A
pleasant cruise down some two-lane backroad, the windows down, a
breeze in your hair sounds nice, right? The police infrequently
patrol the road, so you can zoom down the road twenty, even thirty
miles over the speed limit. That slow car on the horizon, why should
they stop you? Yes, you are in a no-passing zone, but nobody drives
on these backroads. You veer into the oncoming traffic lane to pass
the slow-moving car. That is when it hits you, a 1,000-pound semi in
the oncoming traffic lane. You were too busy with your joy ride to
abide by the traffic rules, and it cost you your life.
Five
years ago, my second cousin lost her grandfather to a similar
accident. The two-lane roads through central Illinois are hazardous,
especially late at night. My mom has always warned me to be careful
on these roads, for they are notorious as the cause of death of many
drivers. If anyone had told my cousin’s grandfather that, he may
still be here today. But, just because it is too late for him, does
not mean it is too late for you.
Educating
drivers of the risks can make them aware of their responsibility.
Every person who knows a driver has an obligation to inform drivers
of the impact they can potentially have. My responsibility is to my
friends. I always remind them to drive the speed limit or yield when
they need it. When they do not listen, I calmly tell them if they
insist on driving like this, then I want to leave the car. By doing
this, I am letting them know that their actions are unacceptable, and
I can not continue to put my life in their hands if they do not want
to take my life seriously.
Driving
is an underrated yet extremely serious responsibility we are all
given in our lives. Hopefully, horror stories like my cousin’s
grandfather will help encourage you to warn and educate those around
you about the risks of driving.
