Name: Ryuta M Tsukahara
From: East Lansing, Michigan
Votes: 0
“Drive
safe, and don’t forget to buy coconut oil!” were the last word
from my mother before I was pulled over. Without even noticing the
stop sign, I ran through the sign without stopping because I looked
over at my phone. Even though I got away with just a warning, let’s
think about some of the possible outcomes of this situation.
1.
Nothing was crossing the street, I finally chose a song I like and
move on with my day. (Which is what happens except I get pulled
over.)
2.
A family of ducks were crossing as I run over one of the cute little
baby ducks while bumping to the song “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas
X.
3.
A boy learning how to ride a bike was crossing the street as I send
the child through the air causing serious injuries, or even death.
The
consequences would vary based on the situation but here are a few I
came up with after some research if I had hit the child. Suspension
of my license or I lose my driving privilege because don’t forget,
driving is NOT a right. It is a privilege. That means I wouldn’t be
able to drive to hangout with friends or to take myself to work.
Which also means that I would have to have to take the school bus to
and from school. Depending on the severity of the accident, I could
have even ended up in jail, for several months to maybe even years,
causing me to lose my golden opportunity to attend MSU and
practically ruining my life.
Did
you think that was it? If I had caused the child to die, my life
wouldn’t be the only life that is ruined. Little did I know, the
little boy could have grown to become a successful surgeon who would
save my life from a life threatening disease. Actually, it could have
been anybody. It could have been my little cousin. It could have been
one of your family members. Yes YOU! Although it may seem
unrealistic, these things occur VERY frequently. Picture somebody you
love. They could potentially be the next victim. Are they important
to you? Well, so are the 327.2 Million people living in the US to
their loved ones and family. With all of the recklessness on the
streets these days, it puts everybody at risk when somebody makes
poor decisions.
Poor
decisions can definitely be prevented and risk on the road can
greatly be reduced through proper drivers ed. It provides drivers
with the correct information and rules regards to driving. When
people are educated thoroughly and with the right knowledge, it can
dramatically reduce the risk of people losing their lives in car
accidents. During an accident, the violator is not the only person
put at risk. It puts everybody who is on the road at risk. This can
all be prevented with the right people knowing the right knowledge.
After
thinking this through, I thanked god for letting me go with just a
warning and the fact that nobody was harmed. However, I also
reflected on my driving. How can I reduce the risk of causing
something to ruin many lives? How could I potentially save lives? It
all started with me. Rather than trying to make other people drive
safer, I think everybody should reflect on themselves. If everybody
who shares and reads this essay reflects on their driving attitude,
it can definitely make a difference. So next time you reach for your
phone to put “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X in queue or you reach
over to the backseat to get your water bottle, please. Think about
the cute little ducks that you could potentially run over. And PLEASE
think about the many lives you put at risk by getting distracted or
multitasking while driving because you’re important. We all are.
And we want to continue striving to become a successful surgeon who
may one day, save your life from a life threatening disease.
