Protect Our Future

After
receiving the bright orange sticker on my license exactly 180 days
after my 16th birthday, when I got my permit, I thought I was free as
a bird. I knew I was responsible when it came to driving. I took
Drivers ed and practiced safe driving always. However, just
because I chose to make the right choice doesn’t mean other people
do. A few short months later, I was hit in the side of my car while
driving across an intersection. The other driver ran the red light
and came crashing into the right side of my car. My sister was in the
passenger seat as we both were shaken within the car, leaving luckily
only bruises on both of us. All that mattered in that moment was that
my sister was safe. After the wreck, which caused $15,000 in damage
on just my car, I refused to drive for a few days. I struggled with
how easily my sister could’ve gotten hurt if the car had hit us
slightly sooner. When irresponsible drivers chose to not put their
phones down, drive under influence, or not follow traffic laws,
people get hurt. I am not the only one out there who has a sister,
brother, mom, dad or any other cherished family member.

I
encourage all drivers to go through Drivers ed this way
together we can combat dangerous driving. Putting another driver in a
dangerous situation because one isn’t willing to take the time to
learn how to drive safely is selfish. We need to protect our future;
our future doctors, technicians, moms, teachers and every individual
we can. Tens of thousands of deaths occur each year due to reckless
driving. Instead of pushing it at that yellow light or going 20 over
to get to work on time, take the time to just slow down. People
understand traffic or car issues for these are forgivable. What is
unforgivable is choosing to place others at risk due to one person’s
bad choice. We must encourage others to think of what is best for
everyone and take the time to realize what harm they could cause. The
motto of my home state Kentucky says it best, “United we stand,
divided we fall.” We need to stand united and face the issues of
reckless and distracted driving to keep us and our future safe.