Sidetracked

As a society, we have become sidetracked. We are constantly shifting our focus to anything that presents itself. Our emotions are constantly being pulled in multiple directions. Our energies are constantly distracted. Social media is continuously tugging at our mind at the fear of not quickly posting that “Be Real” or liking someone’s latest Instagram post. Teens especially are more concerned about seeing how many of their peers viewed and commented on their TikTok or reel. Teens and adults alike must take personal responsibility to do their part in reducing the number of deaths related to texting and driving.

As a new driver, I narrowly escape my high school’s parking lot safely each day. The rush to the day’s hottest lunch spot puts drivers in a panic; therefore, their focus immediately shifts from safe driving to reckless chaos. I’ve personally witnessed teens and adults texting while driving, thinking to themselves that they are being “careful” and able to multi-task safely while driving their vehicle. This is not only a lie we all tell ourselves but a facade that we use to make our insecurities seem less visible.

One of my biggest fears became a reality on a dark Thursday night after theatre rehearsal. My mom was taking me and a friend home from our rehearsal for our local theatre’s play “Prancer.” It was a clear fall evening on October 26, 2023. We were traveling west-bound on I-40 and exited at Bell Street. When the light turned green, we were the first car to enter the intersection. We started south over the bridge towards the next intersection. As we approached the green light, my mom hurriedly and frantically yelled “GIRLS!” as she swung her arm across me. The impact was loud as we plowed into the maroon SUV. Our car began to smell of smoke, and the fear that something had caught on fire was real. The jar of the wreck paralyzed us with fear. After what seemed like an eternity to gather our thoughts and realize what happened, she nervously turned back to check on my friend Victoria in the back seat. “Is everyone ok? Are either of you hurt?” With shaking voices, we told her that we were unharmed. Our feet wobbled as we opened the door and stepped into the street littered with broken glass and debris from the impact. Nearby drivers quickly rushed to our aid and escorted us across the street to stand in the Donut Stop parking lot. The car was totaled. It was a miracle we were unharmed. To add to the pain, my dad received an instant text when the wreck happened. My mom’s phone alerted him that she was in a wreck and quickly sent him our location. Not even knowing if we were okay, he frantically hurried to our location.

Texting while driving is actually playing with fire. It takes one light that quickly turns red, one gentle glide into another lane, or one unnoticed stack up of traffic in front of you. The distracted driver that we t-boned on that dark October night was texting and driving. He didn’t notice his east-bound lane light was red. Not once did he noticed the gray car stopped beside him. The countless chiropractor appointments and hassle of navigating an insurance claim were exhausting, expensive, time-intensive, and painful. Unfortunately, all of this could have been avoided.

It takes intentionality to remain focused on the road. I have been tempted to check an incoming text or quickly post that “Be Real” when the road is not packed with cars. The best thing to do is to remove the distraction – put your phone in your console every time you start your vehicle. Encourage your friends when they are driving that you can check texts for them. When I know a friend is driving, I avoid texting her until I know she has arrived. Help navigate in unfamiliar areas to avoid the drive having to use Google maps or other directional apps. Getting sidetracked in a comical conversation or wanting to change the Spotify channel should not take away from the importance of safe driving. In 2021, 410 people died in car crashed directly related to texting and driving. It takes each and every one of us to do our part to save lives while driving. Taking responsibility is an important characteristic of a mature driver. It is important to not only be a good example to other drivers but also to come home each night to our families. Fatalities permanently change the trajectory of a family’s life. Stay focused while driving, and don’t become a sidetracked statistic.