Was It Worth It?

If there’s one thing all people from across the world can agree on, it’s having the opportunity to wake up and enjoy their time on Earth another day. However, with a blink of an eye that time can be ripped right from under us. A loved one gone, a close friend gone, an innocent civilian gone, all because of a reckless decision made by an impetuous driver. Then you begin questioning yourself and the guilt lingers wearing your bones thin. Was the text really that important? Did the drink really heal your sorrows? Was the careless speeding even necessary? Now you’re left with the burden of peoples families you’ve broken and hurt, on top of leaving your loved ones you promised to come back home to every night. Nonetheless, one question that aggressively surrounds you is, was it worth it?

These tragedies can be prevented if people on the road take time to understand the importance of driver education. Without rules and regulations this world would be chaotic, however learning and following the rules on the road ensures safety for not only you but for millions across the world. “Approximately 1.35 million people are killed in car accidents each year. That means, on average, fatal crashes cause approximately 3,700 deaths per day”(CDC). By following the most simple rules we can decrease the number of deaths caused by car accidents significantly. We can decrease the number of deaths by simply putting on our seat belts, making sure young children are put in car seats, obey the speed limit, no texting and driving, drive without being intoxicated, the list is endless. However, these steps aren’t complex, it is simply having the discipline and moral principles of preventing these habits to save peoples lives.

On the other hand, luckily I’ve been blessed to not have been in any traumatic car accidents, however I often hear stories from my friends. By these tragedies I’m moved, the power of these stories have truly impacted my life forever. It is also essential to call drivers out on their heinous actions on the road. If you don’t feel safe or know they are not in the right mindset to drive, don’t even get in the vehicle. Peer pressure is a powerful mechanism that many people fall under, and sadly it could cause someone’s family a lot of damage to their loved one. Smiling ear to ear right in front of you, and gone the next, moments like this truly humble you. So taking the responsibility of being safe on the road is a choice, make smart decisions, more people get to go home and see their families.

Despite making smart decisions on the road, it’s essential to reflect on your personal decisions when it comes to ensuring safety on the road. I am a human being, a far from perfect one at that, and understand that I make mistakes too. I would be lying if I said I’ve never texted while driving, or drove around without my seatbelt, drove over the speed limit, etc.. We look at these situations as minor, but by doing the little things you make a huge impact in saving lives on the road. By following these simple steps, you receive an even greater outcome. LIFE, live your best life, don’t be the reason you or someone else’s life ends over a mistake that would take two seconds to fix.

Additionally, it’s all about breaking bad habits and replacing them with healthy ones. For example, when you were little and you wanted to cross the street, your mom always says this, I bet you already finished my sentence. She literally screams, “Look both ways before crossing the street!” As you get older every time you cross the street you look left, right, then left again because it’s a healthy habit to ensure your safety. A simple glance can prevent your death, so by following the simple regulations on the road it should be a walk in the park. On the brighter side you’re saving millions of lives by doing the smallest things to ensure safety on the road.

In conclusion, bad habits that have been ingrained in your everyday life are extremely hard to stop overnight. By all means take baby steps, start by putting your phone on Do Not Disturb, or even stepping up to your peers and saying you shouldn’t be on the road in this condition, etc.. It’s all about the start and just like when you were little if you repeat these habits on a daily basis, you may just be the SAFEST driver I’ve ever seen. I care about your safety, your friends care about your safety, and especially our families care about our safety. So when we are on the road let’s make the decisions that need to be made, so families can get home safe and sound.