When asked to think
of a dangerous weapon, most think of things such as guns, knives, and
bombs. But after losing a best friend to a car being driven by
someone who had no right to be behind the wheel, perspectives start
to change, and suddenly AK-47s don’t seem all that bad.

February 22nd, 2019
will forever be the most traumatic day of my life. The day my friend
Beth took her last breath, and her 17 years of life were suddenly cut
short. Little did Beth know when she was walking to school that day
that it would be her last time. When a drunk driver blew a red light
and smashed into her helpless body, the lives of so many that were
affected by her contagious smile were rocked, and the smart,
athletic, kind soul that infected the world with her spirit was no
more.

Unfortunately,
tragedies like this one are all too common in our world today.
Between texting, drinking or doing drugs, and all of the other
distractions that are present when driving, getting in a car has
become a danger that could put people in a life or death situation.
Turning the ignition is a choice that we make everyday, and often
take for granted. But what many don’t realize is that by making
that choice you are controlling the fate of not only yourself, but of
everyone else on the road at that time. From that day forward I have
committed myself to educating others about the dangers of distracted
driving, and how it can change the lives of everyone on the road at
any given moment. Social media and communication with others are two
things that are used everyday, and can be powerful in spreading a
message that distracted driving is deadly. Our words are the most
powerful weapon we have in ending this epidemic, and it is vital that
we put them to use.