A Twisted Holiday

A Twisted Holiday

Growing up, you hear the stories. The traumatic and scary things that happen to people behind the wheel of a car can frighten you and knock some sense into you. The thing you don’t prepare for is it ever happening to you.

When I was 13 years old, I knew nothing of what dangers come with driving under the influence. I didn’t think I would ever have to worry about it because I knew that I was more responsible than that. Unfortunately, dangerous things can happen to you because of other people and that is completely out of your control. That 4th of July was when my world turned upside down. It was supposed to be a fun celebration full of good food, fireworks, and spending time with great friends. The night took a turn for the worse when my sister, my mother, and I started heading home.

I knew that my mom had had a few drinks, but as a 13-year-old, you just don’t think about that stuff. I wasn’t paying attention to what she was doing, I was busy hanging out with my friends all night to even mind her behavior. As it turned out, she had drunk more than I thought but I didn’t realize it until the car started swerving around the road as my mom was falling asleep behind the wheel. My sister was sleeping in the back seat and all I could think about was keeping her and my mom safe.

As the car swerved into oncoming traffic, my heart stopped as my brain pounded in my head. I did the only thing I could do in that situation. I grabbed the wheel from her, and I swerved back over, waking my mom up in the process. Grabbing her phone, I immediately dialed my dad. I didn’t know what else to do. My mom pulled into the parking lot of an Apple bee’s as my dad drove quickly to us. He arrived and took my mom to her house after taking us back to his. In the end, we were safe but the thought of what could have happened has stuck with me in all my years of life.

I don’t think I will ever forget that night. The sound of the car horns honking at us to get out of their way. The bright headlights if oncoming vehicles. But most importantly, I’ll never be able to forget the feeling in the pit of my stomach throughout it all. That feeling of helplessness as you feel like something terrible could happen to you. It has taught me a very valuable lesson. Now I’m more cautious about my environment but also what is going on with the people around me. It’s important to stay aware of your surrounding but especially to never get in a car with someone who could put your life at risk. There is always an alternative. Nothing is more important than keeping yourself and others safe.