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Round 3 – Drive Safe and Save lives

Name: Kaylee Lynn Green
From: Tracy, California
Votes: 0

Drive Safe and Save lives

Save Lives and Drive Safe

By: Kaylee Green

As a teenager in high school, your whole life revolves around driving. The second you get your license; you are ready to hit the road. It is like a new freedom is unlocked, but instead it is a new responsibility. The day after I turned 16, I was extremely egger to get my license. I simply wanted to be free; not having to constantly rely upon others for rides. I had no idea of all the dangers which could happen on the road.

One evening in May, a few friends and I were headed to a small party for our friend’s birthday. On the way there we were stopped by an ambulance and a few other first responders. We passed a truck who had spun out and hit a tree head on. The truck was completely unrecognizable and had been totaled. As for the diver, he was being rushed to the hospital. When we arrived at the party, we found out that the truck belonged to one of my close friends who was on his way to the same party. He had been drinking and driving, and in seconds he lost control and hit a tree. Days went on as we prayed for him to just stay alive. He was in a coma for almost a month. Finally, he awoke with serious brain damage and severe memory loss. He was a senior in high school at the time.

You always hear about tragedies like this on the news, but it never really has a major impact on you until it happens firsthand. Intoxication driving kills about 16,000 a year. However, there are many other distractions on the road which can lead to other collisions. This includes cell phone use and other electronic devices when driving. It could be a matter of seconds looking down at a phone, when a car pulls out and you hit them.

Simple steps which can be taken when driving is eliminating all electronic devices when driving. Put them away and turn off your ringer so there are no temptations. Also, when driving, if you notice a driver driving reckless near you. Let off the gas and create a safe distance between you and that driver. After you park, report the car if it is endangering others.

In recent years, electronics have taken over the car industry. Newer technology has allowed for self-driving cars and driving assistance. Although, with newer technology comes more risks and distractions. It is important to not always rely upon technology when driving. It can be distracting and even dangerous. For example, a simple switching in music can take your eyes off the road for enough time for you to drift into another lane. It is significant to use good judgement when operating technology.

Another more common reason for teen recks and crashes is in result of reckless driving. Peer pressure comes in many shapes and sizes. As a teenager, there is a pressure to race friends and other forms of reckless driving. While it may seem harmless in the moment, these activities may result in hitting innocent pedestrians or other oncoming cars. It is important to abstain from this sort of driving, especially in public areas, because it could be a matter of life or death.

Although driving may be this wonderful new and exciting thing for teenagers, it also comes with a lot of new responsibilities. You must always remember to abstain from intoxication, distractions of technology, peer pressure of reckless driving, and many other factors. Learn from the experience of others. Do not put others, or yourself, in danger on the road. Drive safe and save lives!