Select Page

The Responsibility We Often Forget

Name: Mary Ana Plotts
From: Maple Grove , MN
Votes: 0

The
Responsibility We Often Forget

I can remember my mom’s words
before my license test, “Driving comes with a responsibility. You
have the power to take someone’s life. Always be a safe driver,
even if it might cost you in the moment. You might be late to one
event, but you won’t have the rest of your life to regret your
mistakes.” If more people thought about the power they possess
while driving, would they really choose to be texting?

Not only are teens using their
phones while driving, but adults are as well. I believe that we need
to educate adults just as thoroughly as we educate teens. In the past
thirty years, drivers ed has been in the rearview mirror. Cell
phones did not exist as a distraction until fifteen years ago. I
think we should have all licensed adults over eighteen periodically
take an online refresher course on driving safety. This would help
drivers of all ages become educated and safe drivers, reducing the
number of automobile deaths in the country.


Another way to prevent
automobile deaths is to enforce a safety app. For example, all apps
should be disabled if the phone senses it is going over a certain
speed, with the only exception being a GPS app. Therefore, the device
would not put the driver at risk for an accident. Even though this
suggestion is not currently in place, I have practiced this idea in
my own life. Whenever I am driving, my cell phone is turned off and
placed face down so that it does not become a distraction. Instead,
we have a separate GPS that is solely for the purpose of directions.
Whenever I ride with my friends, I ask if I can help them navigate so
that they are not at risk for an accident.

Thankfully,
I have never been in a car accident; however, I have heard countless
stories of drivers who have. Their entire lives are halted when they
realize the consequences of their careless actions. As a driver, I
have felt the rush of adrenaline that spikes through my body when a
dangerous driver cuts me off and I have to slam on my breaks.
Near-accident experiences have taught me to be watchful of the
actions of other drivers on the road.

When you drive, you have the
power to take the life of another. Reckless actions can kill someone
who was destined for greatness, such as the future president, a
doctor to will find a cure for cancer, or even someone who has a
family. Actions have consequences, not only for one person, but for
others as well. We all rarely stop and think about what consequences
our actions have on others. This is a responsibility we cannot
forget.