The Disastrous Impacts of Distracted Driving

One glance is all it takes.

Looking over my shoulder as we drove past the scene of the accident, I could feel a sudden chill throughout my body as if I were watching a 1^st-person horror movie. The mere sight of an overturned vehicle, a multi-car crash, parts and debris scattered on the interstate, and the wavered movement of those involved struck me with a fear unmatched to any other. Within this short time, I peered over my shoulder, a driver could have done the same and caused a similar accident within seconds. One glance is all it takes.

Wondering how something of this caliber could have come about, my parents told me about the endless possibilities that could result in something like this. “You need to pay attention and drive not only for yourself, but those around you as well” they told me. “Driving is not something to be taken lightly, as one wrong move could be the end of your life or others.” I’ve been warned many times to be cautious when operating a motor vehicle, but never fully understanding the dangers associated with driving, I took this information with a grain of salt. One glance is all it takes.

Once I started to realize just how impactful these vehicles can be, I made a pledge to myself that I’d never involve myself in reckless driving behaviors. I would not check my phone when driving. I would not pick up a phone to answer a call when driving. I would not take my eyes off the road, not even for a second, as I held everyone’s life in high regard. One glance is all it takes.

With the implementation of more camera systems around the world that target distracted driving and impose safe driving practices and conditions for all, drivers would be more likely to reconsider their actions. These cameras would not simply serve to correct behaviors before they cause any accidents, but alert authorities of these actions and send warnings/tickets to the individual (which could eventually lead to revoking their license temporarily or permanently). We would also encourage safer driving through billboards or posted roadside signs. A simple mistake could be the end of someone’s life. One glance is all it takes.

If you asked my 13/14-year-old self if he were excited about driving, without question the reply would be “absolutely!” As someone who’s always had a passion for a fun driving experience, (which my younger self viewed as drifting, speeding, and performing stunts in unsafe environments!) I hadn’t previously considered my actions could ever hurt someone. Watching NASCAR drivers and professional drivers attempting these insane stunts, my yearn for driving arose at a faster pace. I had to learn the hard way that the driving I saw on television wasn’t the same driving that’s practiced in real-world situations. Seeing as no one where I lived were drifting past red lights or even revving their engines constantly, I realized that driving was nothing like I initially expected. One glance is all it takes.

I am a strong advocate for safety and the implementation of measures that ensure the protection of all, so I believe that all young drivers should be required to complete a 2-part drivers’ ed course (consisting of driving principles and driving safety, multiple practice driving tests (isolated from drivers on the road) and an actual on-road practice test. Any extraneous tasks will be omitted, as they will not contribute to the success of the driver. As young drivers are more intrigued by their devices than paying attention to the road, more strict rules and regulations against driving while using a device should be enforced. Why? Because one glance Is all it takes.

Going back to that day when I saw the pileup on the interstate, the fear that used to once stick with me has now been removed. Taking the time to educate myself on the dangers of driving and learning proper driving maneuver techniques has helped to alleviate much of the stress in me that arose from situations such as those. Even to this day, I see major accidents. Whether they stem from rainy weather, or someone taking their eyes off the road for even a second, accidents occur every day, and taking the proper steps to reduce the number of times accidents happen is ideal. One glance is all it takes.

I thought I had seen it all, the worst possible accidents. Cars flipping, engines caught on fire, trucks colliding, and even cars that were totaled. One day at home while watching car accidents on YouTube, I came across a video that showed a crash so bad, the interstate had to be closed down temporarily. The crash ran across all lanes, with multiple trucks and cars involved. Every day people are getting involved in car crashes, but I never expected them to be so detrimental. One glance is all it takes.

Even if I’ve never been in an accident, I didn’t pay attention to my surroundings when my parents were driving. I’d just watch videos on my phone or play a game to pass the time. That was, until I was about 14. My parents wanted me to become more aware of what goes on when they are driving, watching in awe as many sped on the interstate, would overtake others with minimal space to do so, and some would even brake-check other drivers. All unsafe activities, that for some reason, were done so often, appeared commonplace. The sheer number of people who report they are safe drivers when they also involve themselves in similar activities is honestly surprising. It takes someone 5+ years of driving to truly be considered experienced. However, nowadays it appears that many get their licenses simply to drive crazily and impress others. One glance is really all it takes.

Moving forward in life, I hope that we are able to realize how effective preventative measures are in maintaining a world where driving is safe for everyone. And the reason for that is because: One glance is all it takes.