One Decision

Imagine sitting in fifth period and being told that all students must stay in their current class periods. Whispers, text messages, and bits of information being passed around the student body. A future varsity four year starter and my volleyball teammate was hit by a drunk driver; twenty feet from the entrance of the school.

One decision can take someone’s life and change hundreds of others. Driving under the influence is one decision that can’t be taken back. Lives ruined can’t be mended. My seventeen year old friend can’t get her future back all because of one decision. One decision to drive under the influence has impacted hundreds of lives.

The driver was sentenced to seven years in prison. Seven years for taking the life of a seventeen year old young woman who had her entire life ahead of her. The driver had alcohol, cocaine, and prescription drugs in his system when he drove into the wrong lane and through a red light, striking my teammate.

Stricter penalties and mandatory refresher driver’s education courses can help prevent these tragedies. Stricter penalties, such as license suspension, should be given to those knowingly driving under the influence. With all the options of Uber and Lift, there is no reason anyone should be getting behind the wheel intoxicated. Mandatory driver education videos and refreshers should be mandatory when renewing an expired license. Driver education courses at just sixteen years of age is not enough.

Recently out of driver’s education myself, I take certain steps to protect myself and drivers around me. After watching the Illinois mandated “Distracted Driving Video” I make sure I am not distracted while driving. I do not text and I will not get behind the wheel impaired. I am also aware of my surroundings and drive defensively. If everyone does their part by following the rules of the road, the roads would be a safer place.