A Few Dangerous Seconds

Tristan Bonilla

19 Nov. 2020

A Few Dangerous Seconds

I’m Tristan Xavier Bonilla and I’m a senior at North Forney Highschool in North Texas, but that could’ve ended on many occasions, many without warning or realization; it would’ve only taken a few seconds. In all seventeen years of my life, dangerous or reckless driving is a prevalent theme as I have either seen it personally and avoided it or have seen someone personally experience the negative consequences of it. This essay will cover the definition of dangerous/reckless driving, personal experiences and how it can be avoided.

Dangerous or reckless driving is commonly described as driving distracted or having your mind elsewhere: a broad, loose term that can almost mean anything. No, the definition of “Dangerous driving” fails to include the serious factors and consequences that are also apart of this equation. Texting, calling someone, picking up your phone and even looking elsewhere: all examples of a few dangerous seconds that can harbor horrific consequences. Reckless driving is similar, except usually the person doing it is doing it “willingly”; willingly or not, it doesn’t change the fact that they could be accountable for the death of another human being. Intoxication or being under the influence of any drug can also be described as any of the two aforementioned terms. It doesn’t take a dictionary to discover the true nature of these terms – because many have probably witnessed them, if not being an instigator themselves.

It’s easy to define dangerous driving, it’s not easy to relate or tell you what effects they’ve had on my family, friends and myself. On September the fourteenth of 2020, my friend Jaziel and I were returning from a friends house at nine p.m. We actually have a garage band and were returning from practice. We approached a four way stop and another person arrived a little later. We stopped, then proceeded when my friend in the passenger’s seat noticed a bright light: the other car came straight at us! We narrowly escaped the situation by swerving into the oncoming lane on the road, but we almost got T-boned. The other car drove off, as if nothing happened, but my friend noticed a vital detail – the other car’s driver was on their phone. He could tell once he heard loud music emitting from the car seconds later. This person, whoever they were, was willing to sacrifice the lives of my friend who was closest to the area it would’ve happened and myself, just to turn on music? I’ve experienced many instances where similar situations occurred, and am lucky to say the least – it’s happened at least 4 times in my life. But a close relative of mine was not so lucky and lives to tell the tale. My uncle, Juan Bonilla, sustained a major spinal injury after a freak accident occured when he was in his mid-twenties. A metal rod is in place of what was once a healthy, normal spine – something he is constantly reminded of when he walks, stands up, sits down and even when he sleeps. I can’t divulge much information on the nature of the accident, but it was due to the driver looking in a different direction or at something in the cabin. As apologetic as he possibly was, he cost my uncle a normal back – something that wouldn’t have happened had he kept his eyes on the road. He’s appreciative of the fact that he is alive, but the amount of surgeries he’s gone through made him beg to differ. If you’re ever in an accident, know that any of the victims’ lives or instigators’ lives will be changed: whether it’s a miniscule or major amount. No one else in my family has sustained such terrible injuries, but our chances get worse by the day. My parents who are Respiratory Therapists at Parkland Hospital experience many close calls on their way to work and back home. Even with Covid-19, incidents involving dangerous driving are still prevalent – my father tells me the grotesque tales of the hospital so that I avoid such tragedies myself. The consequences are real, whether you’ve experienced them or not; it’s not just your neck on the line when driving dangerously, but everyone else’s around you.

So where do we go from here; how do we prevent such incidents? The answer is extremely simple: put down your phone and keep your eyes on the road! Any text, call or notification can be answered later! Don’t drive if you feel buzzed, get an Uber! If you’re under the influence of any drug, stay at home – don’t endanger those around you for a quick high! All in all, think rationally and focus on the task at hand: driving, as nothing else could be more important.

Dangerous driving, as defined, can be any little thing you do when you decide to do some plus driving. I’ve seen many incidents where the victims are the most unlucky – cases of involuntary manslaughter. I’ve had family and friends who suffered from such incidents mentally and physically – in my story earlier, I was in shock for a good day at how close we almost died! But the moral of any story is this – when driving, focus on driving; other actions can be done at other places and other times! I hope everyone stays happy and safe – always abide by the rules of the road to protect yourself and others, because it only takes a few dangerous seconds to change your lives!