I
was cruising down the road in Duck, North Carolina in my parent’s
Chrysler Town and Country. I had never really driven a van before,
but my cousins and I were dying for some pizza and that was the only
car available. I had had my license for over two years, so I was
allowed to drive more than one person. I hopped in the front seat, my
16 year old cousin next to me, my 14 year old sister and 13 year old
cousin in the middle, and my 19 year old cousin in the back seat. The
windows were down, music was playing, and we were all enjoying the 80
degree day. The streets in Duck are strictly restricted to 25 mph,
and, being a mostly walking community with pedestrians constantly
crossing the street, I made sure I did not exceed the speed limit. We
were halfway to the pizza shop when it happened. The car two cars
ahead of me slammed on their breaks, the car in front of my attempted
to swerve but failed, and I did the same. We ended up in a three car
collision. I have never felt a more intense feeling of shock and
terror in my life. I, the one who held the lives of my relatives in
my hands, just crashed the car. Luckily no one was injured and
everyone was wearing their seatbelts, but I was devastated. We were
on vacation and I just crashed the car. I instantly started bawling.


The
thing was, I was not distracted at all. My phone was away, I was not
fiddling with the radio, and both hands were on the wheel. I was
completely focused on the road. Drivers ed drilled the idea of
the dangers of distracted driving into my head, so I refused to take
my eyes off the road, especially since my family was in the car. But,
even if you think you are being diligent, there are always steps one
can take to ensure complete safety. Maybe I could have kept a larger
distance between me and the car in front of me, or not have turned
the radio on at all, or just let a parent drive. It is imperative to
teach the new and young drivers every step they can take to ensure
they are driving the safest they can. Adults and teachers need to
emphasize the use of turn signals, proper spacing in between cars,
and don’t let a teen bite off more than they can chew. If accidents
happen when drivers are attentive to the road, imagine how many
happen due to distracted drivers. And yes, driving distracted is
detrimental and extremely dangerous to those around you, but you
always need to be aware of your surroundings. One thing my dad always
said to me was: “drive safe for yourself and those around you.”