Lesson Learned Through Tragedy

Garren Walker

Nov. 18, 2020

Lesson Learned Through Tragedy

Driving has made our lives easier in so many ways. Driving requires full attention to detail. However, drivers have let bad habits and distractions deviate their attention. It should not take a negative experience to make drivers focus.

Driving is a huge responsibility! Drivers education is designed to teach beginner drivers the rules of the road. Drivers education prepares their students by teaching all aspects of driving. Drivers education is imperative because it sets the solid foundation on which good driving skills begin. This education is imperative because it protects everyone on the roads.

In 2019 there were a total of 38,800 deaths due to car accidents. This was a 2% decrease from 2018 (39,404). The goal is to decrease this number yearly. Some steps of action to reduce deaths due to car accidents are: education, enforcing laws, cessation of texting and driving and the usage of the phone while driving, wearing seatbelts, and eliminating driving distractions. If all people would just do these simple things the road would be a safer place.

One of my closest friends was involved in a car accident that should’ve taken his life. He lost control of his car which left him in critical condition. He underwent multiple surgeries and treatments to save his life. He was in the hospital for nine months and rehabilitation thereafter. Having to watch my friend suffer and endure a grueling recovery was one of the most difficult things I have had to face this far in my lifetime. His recovery was miraculous however, his baseline will never be what it was before the accident. The hardest part to accept about his situation was that it could have been avoided if he would have just put his phone down.

Making others aware that there is nothing that is so important that it cannot wait until the car is in park is the message I want to convey through my own actions. My friend’s accident made me realize I do not want to watch anyone else I love go through that, nor do I want to put my parents in that situation. Every time I sit in my driver’s seat I put my phone on “do not disturb” and put it out of sight to restrict temptation. I put my seat belt on and give the road my full attention. As the passenger in the car of others, I demand the same. I am trying to make a difference starting with myself and hopefully reaching others along my way.

Driving is a privilege and one that should be taken for the significant responsibility that it represents. Your own life and the lives of others are within your hands, affected by every decision you make when behind the wheel. Instead of waiting to be personally touched by tragedy, prevention is the answer. These small things could just save your life.