One Second

One Second

Abigail Blansit

After a long day at school, the only thing you want to do is go home. You’re mind isn’t as focused as usual, but you aren’t worried since you know the drive home like the back of your hand. All of the sudden the car in front of you slams on their brakes. You aren’t prepared or even paying attention to them, so you don’t brake fast enough. In this moment, you realize your mistake. By not being fully engaged, you risked your life. Driving changes in one second.

In life, there comes moments when you have split second decisions. When you’re behind the wheel, you hold everyone else on the road life’s in your hands. The focus that is required when driving is so essential. The road is a place where you are able to find freedom and travel to unknown places, it’s a beautiful thing. When I first started driving, I didn’t understand the weight my actions carried. Driving opened my eyes, it made me realize that what I do directly affects those around me. Everyday that I get on the road, I make a decision to put not only my life at risk but the lives of those around me into my hands.

The only way to ensure that you are doing your part to ensure the safety of those around you, you have to zone in. It’s more than just being present, it requires you to be hyper aware of what is going on around you. In one second, you can end the life of those around you. Most people are aware of the severity of their actions. It’s more than just driving to school or work, it’s a chance for you to either be safe or not. A life is something that’s worth can not be measured. It’s scary knowing that those around you hold your life in their hands.

Road rage can cause a person to act in a way that they normally wouldn’t. A simple mistake can set someone off. It’s imperative that when driving, you do your best to be conscious of your fellow drivers. Even if it isn’t your fault, be apologetic because you never know the consequences of your actions. If you decide to be rude, the other driver can react and that can cause a wreck. Even if it seems miniscule to you, it can be the difference between life and death for another. Make the decision to let it go, you never know how it can change the events to come.

Seeing the red lights on the car in front of you can be frightening, but not when you’re focused on the task at hand. By deciding to only drive when you’re able to be 100% focused, you increase your chances of making it your destination safe. The split second decisions are what count. So the next time you get behind the wheel, take a second and make sure you are ready for the weight you’re about to take on.