Almost Gone

Everyday billions of people ride in a vehicle of many different types to get from one destination to another. Whether the vehicle is a bus, motorcycle, car, tram, ect. everyone in the vehicle knows the consequences thus could occur during the travel to point A and point B. In a split second all of their lives could be changed forever. On September 24, 2004 a woman was run off the road by an oversize van. The woman lost control of her car, swerved into a ditch and hit a tree head on. Witnesses horrified by the accident appeared in front of them frantically dialed 911. When the ambulance arrived at the scene the woman was found without a pulse, head stuck underneath the passengers dash, femur in half, and no seatbelt. Most horrifying of all was a child of about 3 years of age screaming in the backseat, safely buckled up staring at his wounded mother.

The woman was thought to be declared deceased but when checked for a pulse again she was alive. When conscious the woman explained she was in a hurry to get to work, she always would wear her seatbelt, except for today. The women sooned learned if anyone else was in the car they would have died. I could have died that day at nine months old. My eldest sister could have died that day. My mother could have died that day. My older brother could have died that day. My mother’s choices to not bring my sister and I in the car that day saved our lives. My mother’s choices to buckle my brother up saved his life.

In the U.S motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work- related death. From 2003-2017 alone 27,000 workers died in motor vehicle crashes. The number one cause for motor vehicle accidents is distracted driving. Distractions can occur from many things including loud music, talking on the phone, texting, fixing your seat, getting ready for work, or sometimes eating a missed meal are some of the many reasons why there are accidents today. While driving it is necessary to take following steps to make sure you are driving safely. These include: stay focused, stay alert, wear your seatbelt, and always watch out for the other guy.

If you ever feel unsafe in a vehicle because of an unfit driver ask them to pull over. Always be observant of your safety while being both a driver and passenger. Give your driving friends or family members so helpful tips while driving on the road to ensure for better safety. Never drive too close to another vehicle, check all blind spots before switching lanes, always wear your seatbelt, when you see the car in front of you break…you break. There are countless more easy and simple steps to ensure you stay safe in a vehicle. Accidents are almost promising to happen but you can make a difference in preventing any accidents the best you can with these helpful tips.