Name: Eric Thomas Milliser
From: Advance, IN
Votes: 0
The
sound of the rubber grinding on the pavement as my father tried to
prevent our vehicle from being collected in the accident carnage will
ring forever in my ears. Being a defensive driver, he reacted to the
situation quickly. However, it happened much too close and we became
a part of the pile up. Metallic crunching followed by explosive
airbags filled the moment. It seemed like an eternity for everything
to come to a halt and my mother to ask, “Is everyone okay?”
A
woman, driving the opposite direction sat patiently in her lane
waiting for oncoming traffic to pass. She indicated her intention to
turn with her signal flashing. Then, a distracted driver pulled in
behind her and struck her back bumper. Her car got pushed into the
oncoming traffic and we struck the rear quarter of her car. That
driver had a head contusion from something hitting her from the back
seat. Fortunately, all parties involved did not sustain permanent or
debilitating injuries.
The
thing I remember most about this experience is that I never want to
experience it again. The situation could have easily gone worse, but
also could have just as easily been prevented. In an effort to avoid
such consequences in my own driving experience, I choose to drive
without distractions. I put my phone away or mark my status as,
“Driving” to prevent unnecessary distractions.
Only
a few short years later, I would take my Drivers ed
classes. Despite my resistance to taking the course, my mother urged
me to learn the importance of driving skills. The class reaffirmed
for me what I already knew. Maintaining awareness of your driving
and those around you contributes to the prevention and reduction of
vehicular accidents. Distractions can end with fatal results as much
as driving under the influence. Technology is a dangerous new
addiction that causes drivers to be less defensive.
In addition to Driver’s
Education, my mother reminds me that when I sit behind the wheel, I
carry precious cargo. Risks are unnecessary and the phone can wait.
However, she also reminds me that other drivers on the road are
precious to someone too. My driving should reflect the importance of
the lives that share the road with me. When taking this into
consideration, my driving becomes more defensive and preventative.
