Monday, September 30, 2019 represents the beginning of the most difficult nine months of my life. On that date, I was involved in a three-car accident caused by a distracted, 16-year-old driver while en route to swim practice. The side of my head collided forcefully with the window upon impact as a car ricocheted into the door next to where I sat. My resulting physical condition steadily declined in the following days, which led to my being put on Concussion Protocol by my pediatrician.
The result of the accident affected me physically. I had daily headaches, which often became excruciating migraines causing dizziness, light sensitivity, and often made it difficult to concentrate. I went to vestibular physical therapy twice per week. An MRI, CT scan, EKG, and a neuropsychological assessment were performed. I also met with various specialists (vestibular physical therapist, neurologist, Concussion Clinic doctor, concussion ophthalmologist, orthoptist, and an outpatient therapist).
My being on Concussion Protocol affected me socially. Missing a season of competitive swimming was difficult, and I had to work my way back to top physical condition. Swimming has been a huge part of my life since I was eight years old, and my not being allowed to swim created a void in my life. I missed the thrill of competition and interacting with my teammates and coaches. My hiatus from swimming was then exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused me to miss an additional season of practice and competition. My concussion prevented my participation in the activities I previously enjoyed with my friends such as riding roller coasters, skating, bowling, and joining the track and field team.
My being on Concussion Protocol affected me academically. My accident took place less than two months after I began my freshman year of high school, which is a difficult year of transition for many students. I was not allowed to take tests and quizzes, which led to my ending my first semester of freshman year with “incompletes” in all of my classes. I had to make up missed quizzes and tests from the first semester while having to complete second semester assignments, quizzes, and tests after my Concussion Protocol restrictions gradually eased. With the help of tutors, having a strong will to succeed, being extremely organized, and working hard, I completed all assigned tasks by the end date of my freshman year. I ended my freshman year with a 3.58 GPA while obtaining First Honors recognition. This was accomplished while also adjusting to remote learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Raising awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and preventing it among young drivers is crucial to promoting road safety, preventing other young people like me from having their lives negatively impacted by the careless actions of others, and reducing vehicular accident-related deaths. Actions such as educational activities and campaigns, public service announcements, community involvement, and the use of social media and apps can be used to discourage distracted driving. Driver education is also key to reducing the number of driving-related deaths.
Those interested in addressing distracted driving and reducing the number of car accident-related deaths should collaborate with schools to integrate distracted driving awareness into driver’s education curricula. Methods can include presentations, workshops, discussions, and virtual reality simulators to provide young drivers with firsthand experience of the dangers of distracted driving. Engaging and interactive online courses and modules can also be incorporated to teach students about the risks of distracted driving. Survivors of distracted driving accidents or their families should be invited to share their firsthand experiences with students.
Emotionally compelling public service announcements should be created for television, radio, and online platforms. Eye-catching billboards should be placed in high-traffic areas to remind drivers of the consequences of distracted driving.
Community events such as rallies, races, and safety fairs should be organized to raise awareness about distracted driving. Local businesses, law enforcement, and emergency services should participate in such efforts to promote safe driving practices and to illustrate the collaboration needed to decrease incidences of distracted driving.
Unique hashtags should be created and promoted on social media platforms to encourage discussions and to share personal stories related to distracted driving. Apps should be developed to monitor and prevent distracted driving by blocking or restricting phone use while driving. Apps should also be used to provide rewards or penalties based on driving behaviors. Incentives can include reduced fines or insurance discounts for young drivers who go a certain period without distracted driving incidents.
Driver education is instrumental in developing skilled, defensive drivers and reducing incidences of vehicular-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Driver education accomplishes this goal by teaching skills, rules of the road, and adherence to traffic laws; risks associated with reckless driving; and reinforcing responsible road behavior. Knowledge about traffic signs and rules, safe driving habits, and hazard awareness can reduce car accidents. Driver education informs students of the risks associated with reckless and impaired driving, road rage, and their resulting ramifications. Such knowledge may encourage drivers to operate their vehicles responsibly and compel them to be more accountable for their actions on the road.
I can take various steps to be a better and safer driver and to help others do so as well. I can stay informed about updated traffic rules by reviewing the newest editions of the Rules of the Road for my state. I can commit myself to not texting while driving and keeping my music at a moderate level while driving and encouraging others to do so as well, especially while I am a passenger. I can strive to continuously improve my defensive driving skills by staying focused and aware while driving, anticipating dangers, and maintaining a safe driving distance (especially during inclement weather). I commit myself to not driving impaired and under the influence, and I will volunteer to be the designated driver for my family and friends if they are inebriated. Last, but certainly not least, I will continue to wear my seat belt and encourage others to do so as well. Maintaining road safety is a shared responsibility; as such, I am committed to doing my part and encouraging others to do the same to reduce accidents and deaths on the road. Positive actions by individual drivers can immensely impact overall roadway safety.




Inaya Simone Gray Page 4