"Are you even paying attention?!" I’ll never forget the time I was riding with my friend Bobbie. He’s the kind of person who always has his phone in his hand—whether he’s walking, eating, or even driving. That day, we were heading out to grab something to eat, and as usual, his phone was lighting up nonstop. Text after text, notification after notification—it was like he couldn’t let it go, even for a second.
Bobbie has this attitude that he’s invincible, like he’s mastered the art of multitasking behind the wheel. “I’ve got this,” he always says, grinning. But sitting in the passenger seat that day, I wasn’t smiling. I was watching his hands move from the steering wheel to his phone and back again while we sped down the road. At one point, he was scrolling through a meme someone sent him. I wanted to yell, “Pay attention!” but I didn’t want to ruin the mood—or make him feel judged.
Then it happened. The car in front of us suddenly slowed down, and Bobbie didn’t notice. My heart leapt into my throat as I shouted, “Brake!” He looked up, slammed on the pedal, and we stopped just in time. I sat there gripping the seat, my pulse racing, and all I could think about was what could’ve happened if I hadn’t been paying attention. What if we’d hit that car? What if it had been someone’s dog crossing the street—or worse, a little kid on a bike?
That moment was a wake-up call for me. It made me realize how thin the line is between a close call and a tragedy. I also realized something else: Bobbie’s behavior wasn’t just putting himself in danger—it was putting me, the people in the car ahead of us, and anyone else nearby at risk.
When I took the driver's ed class, I didn’t think much of it at first. It felt like a checklist to get my license: learn the rules, pass the test, and you’re good to go. But now I understand that it’s about so much more than that. It’s about preparing you for the responsibility you take on every time you get behind the wheel.
Driving isn’t just about following speed limits or knowing when to use your turn signal. It’s about staying focused and making decisions that can literally save lives. Bobbie thinks he’s quick enough to react to anything on the road, but driver’s ed taught me the truth: even a split second of distraction can have permanent consequences. And once something happens, you can’t go back and fix it.
The more I think about that day with Bobbie, the more I realize how much power we have to prevent accidents—if we’re willing to change our habits and hold each other accountable. Here’s how:



Put the Phone Down: Nothing on your phone is worth risking lives for. I use “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving, and I’ve been trying to get Bobbie to do the same.


Take Defensive Driving Classes: These classes teach you how to anticipate risks and avoid them before they become problems. I’m planning to take one to sharpen my skills.


Speak Up: If someone you’re with is driving irresponsibly, don’t stay silent. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it to keep everyone safe.


I’ve been lucky. I haven’t been in an accident myself, but I’ve seen how quickly things can go wrong. My family member’s coworker lost her teenage son because another driver was texting. Hearing her talk about his future—the one he’ll never get to live—was heartbreaking.
When Bobbie takes risks like texting while driving, it’s not just his future on the line. It’s everyone else’s too. One careless moment could rob someone of their dreams, their loved ones, or even their life. That’s a weight no one should have to carry.
Since that day with Bobbie, I’ve made a promise to myself: No distractions. No risks. Whether it’s my little sister, my dog, or just me in the car, I want to know I’ve done everything I can to keep us safe.
I’ve also started speaking up more. When Bobbie grabs his phone now, I remind him of that close call. I remind him of what we could’ve lost. It’s not always an easy conversation, but it’s worth it.
Driving isn’t just about getting somewhere. It’s about protecting lives—yours, your passengers’, and everyone else’s. Every choice you make behind the wheel Bobbieers. Every second counts. And every life is worth protecting.