Take Ownership

Take
Ownership

We are each entitled to many freedoms in our country; however, that
does not mean we can live irresponsibly. As a teenager, one freedom
that I very much enjoy is driving. The feeling of being able to go
anywhere and everywhere is liberating. But, when tragedies occur and
lives are lost, one needs to take a look deep into their own driving
habits and take ownership to do their part in driving safely and
obeying the law.

The importance of
drivers ed in reducing the number of driving deaths has never
been more important than it is today. With all the added technologies
at our fingertips, there are so many ways to become easily distracted
while driving. This goes for new and veteran drivers. The mentality
that “I’ll just look away for a second,” or “Nothing will
happen to me” will never go away until a tragedy hits home. As new
drivers wrap up their mandated driving courses, they should be
required to watch videos on tragic accidents involving technology or
other distractions. Maybe then they would see what could become of
their actions. Not only is technology and distractions a reason for
driving deaths, but also drugs and alcohol. Increasing the fines or
jail time for such violations could help deter these incidents or
instilling in our teenagers that being under the influence while
driving a vehicle is like putting a target on your back. The outcome
could result in permanent scars or possibly your death or the death
of innocent people.

In the Spring of
2017, my freshman year in high school, a bus was taking our
basketball team, cheerleaders, and coaches to an away game. I was on
my way to cheer on my team like I did every weekend. An intersection,
known all to well as a dangerous one, became the scene of a horrific
night I will remember for the rest of my life. One moment I was
sitting with my friend listening to music and the next I was flying
across the bus, my back against a shattered window and as the bus
turned on its side and skidded down the road, so did my back. Many
players and cheerleaders were injured and rushed to the hospital. My
cheer uniform had to be cut from my body and my wounds were so severe
that stitches were out of the question. I had multiple appointments
with a wound doctor before my back healed. Now, I’m left with an
ugly scar to remind me of that night. Although there were no
life-threatening injuries, there are memories we will never forget.
The individual who hit our bus was under the influence of drugs and
alcohol and this was not her first offense. I didn’t turn 16 years
old until the Summer of 2018, but as I got behind the wheel to take
my first drive alone, my thoughts went back to that night and I have
vowed to always be a safe driver!