Distracted Driving. Everlasting Consequences.

Cars offer exceptional value and convenience. These metal boxes with wheels offer creature comforts unthinkable a century ago. Creature comforts such as cup holders, bucket seats, heated and cooled seats, air conditioning and various compartments for trinkets and gadgets. Comfort often leads to complacency. Think about it, if you are warm, your drink of choice is near, the radio is blasting your favorite tune, and you are sitting on a plush leather seat. Near maximal comfort is achieved. Many people find driving to be relaxing because of the scenery and likey paired with the comfort. The danger comes when distraction meets comfort.

Distractions can be phones, food or drink or even items falling or becoming dislodged and interfering with the operation of the vehicle. These distractions can be intentional, such as making a conscious choice to text at the red light or while driving down the familiar road. Or these distractions can be as simple as a jar of grandma’s jam coming out of the cup holder and finding its way near the driver’s foot controls. The laws of physics and the potential consequences do not care if the distraction was intentional or not. If the distraction causes an impact or for you to lose control of your vehicle, the lives of those around you and your own can be forever changed.

Being a volunteer first responder, I have seen motor vehicle accidents which happen for numerous reasons. These reasons include texting, aggression, complacency, exhaustion and alcohol or drugs. Finding a dead teenager with empty alcohol containers or putting the near dead bodies into the air ambulance helicopter reminds me life is short and what takes place in the matter of seconds can permanently change the trajectory and outcome of even the A student.

The fact of the matter is while life saving rescue efforts and rapid medical intervention undoubtedly save countless lives each year. But the harsh reality is sometimes, fast is already too late. Once lives are lost, the damage is done, there is nothing any of us can do at that point to remedy the insured. While choosing to not drive is not an option for most in the modern age. We can all make better choices to all actively choose to be more defensive and safer drivers, for ourselves and other people. Preventing the incident is the best thing any of us can do.

I realize my privilege of witnessing and participating in the response of motor vehicle accidents gives me the privilege of seeing just how much force and power is in place when we move these thousand pound liabilities called cars down the road each day. Finding a way to raise awareness of the force and danger is ultimately the most logical step to proactively avoiding these situations in the first place. Since it stands to reason new drivers are likely going to be the most complacent and ignorant to the danger and grave physical harm their vehicles can cause, paired with their rampant use of cellphones throughout the day, I think taking advantage of their impressionable years is the duty of all adults.

Slideshows, stories, textbooks, and first hand accounts are great. However, we have to realize the ever decreasing attention span we as a species have. Because of the attention span issue, the most interactive and captivating events, like concerts, performances and experiences tend to be most memorable and capitabing. That is why I believe the single most effective thing we can do is include a ‘mock accident’ at least every 2 years, similar to a field trip which all High School students are included in, which may be an excellent way to raise awareness of the danger. Mock accidents are not a new idea, and they are also beneficial to Police, Fire, EMS and of course the students. A mock accident is just how it sounds, dummies, or mannequins are placed in cars, which are banged up to simulate a car accident. A story line with characters similar to a movie may also enhance the immersive experience. Seeing the tools, the response of Police fire and ambulance personnel and what is involved in removing the bodies can send a strong message.

Seeing a car being turned into a tuna can and dismantled with metal tools is an interesting view. There is something about a car being torn apart and bodies extricated is something you ‘just have to see’ first hand to understand how hazardous and dangerous cars can be when they collide. When you are young, you are learning about life, how the world works, and the rules we must all follow. One set of rules is physics. If you have not been involved in a car accident personally or have not observed one first hand, it can be hard to conceptualize the force cars have even at relatively low speeds.

By observing the outcome of cars colliding, being cut up, and torn apart, the severity of the mundane drive to school or work can not be taken for granted. Lasting, memorable experiences which after observed can and do stay with us in the back of our minds forever. Reinforcing these mock accidents with guest speakers at events, having signs or placards placed in parking lots are great auxiliary tools which can prolong and enhance the memory of just how dangerous cars can be.