Take Time

Innocence. They had
just moved to the US, the country overflowing with opportunity.
Looking for the best schools that their kids could go to, visiting
the all different beautiful places Arizona has to offer. They were
family of friends we’ve had for a long time. After only a week, the
father and young son met their end after a hit and run where they had
the right of way and were crossing the street to get to the house of
prayer.

Tragedy. We didn’t
know them well at all, but it didn’t stop every member of our
community feeling how unfair it was, how unjust the world truly is,
that in one moment, with one misstep, the world can crumble and take
you with it. However, I can’t go around saying that I am forever
changed as a result of this. It took a little bit, a week? Two weeks?
But eventually we forgot and moved on with our lives. But that is the
mistake exactly, we forget the pain we felt when we first heard the
news and resume not being cautious enough, not thinking clearly
enough, not being enough as drivers. In the moment that we take out
our phone, with one eye on the road and clearly the majority of our
attention on some tweet, we are dishonoring all those who met their
unfortunate end on the road and are not learning from the mistakes of
those weeping at court, begging for forgiveness and leniency.

Hope. We can do
better. We often forget the responsibility we have as drivers because
the taste of independence by car is still fresh on our tongues. But
don’t be fooled; the lives of people all around us rely on how well
we can maneuver a couple hundred pounds of metal. And one of the most
disheartening parts about driving is that no matter how good of a
driver you are, you must always prepare in case the people around
aren’t great. My number one advice for everyone is to take your time.
Take time learning about your vehicle. Go above and beyond for the
practicing requirement before taking your license test. Take time to
get educated and go to a certified defensive driving school. Take the
time to make sure you put on your seatbelt. Wake up earlier so that
you don’t rush on the road. But always remember to take the time to
remember that whatever will distract you from the road isn’t worth
it.