Dare to Save Lives with Defensive Driving

Take a moment to picture this scenario: You’re in the military, 1,207 miles from your hometown and family, working in the aviation shop of your unit. You receive a collection of photos via text from your younger sister who is 16 at the time. These photos depict what looks to have been an SUV, which is now crushed and charred from bursting into flames. You later realize that this was the result of a 17 year-old driver being distracted behind the wheel of the vehicle; the vehicle that your baby sister occupied the passenger seat of hours prior. The vehicle that had lost control, spun into a neighboring tree, and burst into flames from the impact. A vehicle that locked on impact causing both girls to redirect their course of escape to the sunroof that was miraculously open. Fortunately, my sister was examined later that day at the hospital with no sign of injuries, barring the expected soreness. But to imagine your only sister dodging death in the hands of another? Unimaginable.

As an older sister, unable to help from another state, I remember the amount of questions running through my mind over and over again. What if her teammate had slowed down before the curve? What if my sister had ridden with another girl to volleyball practice that day? What if they hadn’t been wearing their seatbelts?

The biggest what-if of them all? What if the sunroof was not open to escape from?

I realized though, that the ‘what-ifs’ do not matter if it’s too late. Over the course of my years in the Marine Corps, I have seen far too many young Marines dare to drive like it’s their last day on earth. We preach day-in and day-out that safety is paramount at each of our safety briefs given before weekends and holidays. However, why is it that those who preach that safety is paramount are the same individuals who don’t seem to practice it? Far too many friends and family of my own have been in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and even farm equipment accidents for me to not jump at the opportunity to discuss driver’s awareness.

Situational awareness while driving any vehicle is far easier said than done; this doesn’t make it any less important. Awareness on the roads can help anticipate unfavorable weather conditions, react to dangers such as roadblocks and dangerous drivers in time, and react to signals from traffic lights and other drivers efficiently. Additionally, mobile devices are a huge distraction to those behind the wheel; from changing their music selections, to taking or making calls while driving, cell phones tend to remain one of the leading causes for accidents on the roads. As younger teens begin driving, is it important for family members and friends to ensure those individuals are equipped with the proper knowledge and safety precautions to help diminish the number of accidents this age group experiences. Simple tasks such as wearing your seatbelt, ensuring you are well rested before driving, mapping out a mental or physical route to arrive at your destination, pulling over to rest and eat, and putting your cell phone away until you are stopped are easy ways to ensure you, as well as other drivers on the road, remain safe during travel.

It is especially important to remember that while one individual may do everything right on the road, it is hard to say for another driver. Alcohol related incidents on the road are the cause for thousands of deaths each year in the U.S. It only takes one drink for some to cause impaired vision and delayed reflexes. As monotonous and repetitive as some may find it, this is why schools, businesses, and especially military installations harp on the importance of not drinking and driving. In the blink of an eye, friends and family members lose their lives every day at the expense of individuals under the influence.

It is important to remember that if you feel unsafe while riding in a vehicle with another, you can and should let the individual know. There is no shame in finding another ride if it means you have control of your life. Overly loud music, singing, and unbuckling to talk to friends in the back are far too common in today’s world. Though it can happen, what matters most is what you do in those moments. Do you have the guts to stand up to your friends? Do you risk the idea of being labeled “lame” in the face of harm? Do you ruin a moment of temporary fun so your friends can make it home to their families that night? If you asked me, I would say there isn’t a single thing I wouldn’t say or do to ensure my loved ones made it home.

Thousands of programs and groups are gathered all around the road to ensure safety and driver’s awareness tactics are being heard. Anyone can be an advocate, but it all starts with an individual. It is important to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and preventable measures that can be taken. I will continue to map my routes, wear my seatbelt, put my phone out of reach, and check my mirrors often if it means myself and others beside me on the road can remain safe. The importance of driver’s awareness is unmatched in the busy world we live in; staying awake, alert, and focused while behind the wheel of a vehicle can save more lives than you think.