A second chance at life

Griselda Navarro Mejia

11/28/30

A second chance at Life

On November 2017, my mother was a victim of a brutal car crash that almost took her life. This was caused by a distracted teen driver that was texting and driving. I thank God every day that my mother and teen driver came out alive from this tragedy. Driver education was ignored in this scenario. If the teen followed the driver education protocol in not having any distraction when driving, this accident would not have occurred. However, distraction is one of the main reasons for car crashes today.

These distractions are not only texting and driving, but drunk driving and even simple distractions like eating your In-N-out burger with one hand on the wheel. That is why driver education is so important in reducing the number of accidents and even deaths to all drivers. There are so many ways a driver can prevent a life being lost. Many of these actions are found in the DMV booklet provided to young teens who are new to driving. This booklet is the gold one must remember every time one decides to drive.

Another tip is insisting that all passengers be buckled up, as this prevents a passenger from being brutally injured. An important tip is to never drink and drive, even if you only had one drink, the driver must consider if they are mentally equipped before making the mistake in harming a life. Lastly, no distraction behind the wheel! Overestimating that one can “multitask” behind the wheel is a myth. It is better for one to leave that call or text for later and check where you are driving before you make a mistake.

I myself have not been in a car accident, but the car accident my mother was faced with was her first. By that time, I took precautionary steps to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road. I strengthen my mother while my father taught me to drive with these driver safety tips in hand. However, no one is perfect, when riding with some family member on the front seat I have seen them texting or checking a message and I have alerted them to leave it alone and focus on the wheel.

Other steps I can take are to not be afraid of the road. To always look both ways twice when turning and if I am faced with a distracted driver to pull aside and let them pass. I know for sure I am not a multitasker so I either put my phone in my bag or turn it off while I am driving. Other ways I can help others be safer on the road are to alert the police if I see a drunk driver, as a pedestrian to also look twice before walking and be patient with slow drivers. The incident that occurred with my mother has taught me to be a better driver and I am glad that I can help by doing so.