Speed Kills: Choosing Life Behind the Wheel

I would rather be late in this lifetime than too early in the next. This thought echoes in my mind whenever I reflect on the tragic story of my three cousins, eager to experience their first Atlanta party. “We cannot be late for our first Atlanta party,” they insisted, excitedly. But in their haste, a cruel irony unfolded. They were not late; they never made it at all. Their story is a reminder of the price of recklessness on the road and the profound importance of driver education.

On January 8th, 2017, my three cousins—Michael, Joi, and Stacy—met a fiery end on the roads of Southwest Atlanta, Georgia, just 20 minutes away from the dinner party. Michael, the driver, lost control of the speeding car, causing it to collide with an electrical utility pole and a tree. The car burst into flames by the roadside. It’s haunting to think that a police officer had noticed their reckless speed and contemplated pulling them over but, tragically, chose to refuel his vehicle instead.

Seeing the passing of my cousins on the news changed my perspective on speeding and reckless driving. It made me acutely aware of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of a single moment’s lapse in judgment behind the wheel. Their loss left a profound mark on my understanding of the importance of responsible driving practices and the urgent need for thorough driving education.  

 Every year in the United States, there are about 7.3 million car accidents. That means almost 19,937 crashes happen every day. Speeding contributes to approximately 26% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. Speeding can kill not only the speeders, but their friends and family members in the car and other people on the road. Many drivers travel 10 miles over the posted speed limit, which raises the chance of getting into a crash by 9.1%. Statistics show that drivers in their 30’s are involved in more fatal accidents than any other age group.

My cousins, Michael, Joi, and Stacy, fell within this age group. Michael was 31, Joi was 36, and Stacy was 38. Their tragic loss reminds us these statistics are not just numbers; they represent real lives, real families, and real pain. Transitioning from statistics to their story highlights the urgency of addressing the issues of speeding and reckless driving.

I believe we can take three crucial steps to reduce the number of driving deaths: staying focused, driving cautiously, and obeying the laws of the road.

Staying focused is the first and most vital step in preventing accidents. When one isn’t paying close attention while driving, the consequences can be devastating. Inattention can lead to delayed reaction times, missed signals, and poor decision-making on the road, resulting in accidents that harm not only the driver, but also passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.

Driving cautiously means being acutely aware of the surroundings. This includes paying attention to other vehicles, pedestrians, traffic signals, and road conditions. Distractions, such as texting, talking on the phone, or daydreaming, can divert attention away from critical elements of safe driving. 

Staying focused means being fully engaged with the task of driving and eliminating distractions that can jeopardize Obeying traffic laws, speed limits, signals, signs, and seat belt regulations is essential for ensuring a safer environment for everyone. Each of these regulations is in place to minimize risks and prevent accidents. By adhering to these laws, drivers not only protect themselves but also contribute to safer roads for all.

Losing my family members taught me that staying focused, driving cautiously, and obeying the laws of the road are interconnected steps that collectively enhance road safety. By understanding the importance of these measures and practicing them diligently, we can work towards a future with fewer driving-related deaths and accidents.

As we remember my cousins, we are reminded of the void they left behind, a void filled with grief, dreams left unfulfilled, and questions that may never be answered. Their absence serves as a reminder that life can be painfully unfair, especially when it’s taken away by a tragic traffic accident.  Let’s honor their memory by committing to the principles of safe, focused, and law-abiding driving, recognizing that each time we get behind the wheel, we hold the lives of our loved ones and fellow travelers in our hands.  It’s not just about reaching a destination, but about embracing every moment of the journey, for it’s in those moments that life truly unfolds.