Ending Distracted Driving Before It Ends a Life

Of all of the responsibilities a person might take on, driving is likely one of the biggest. Whenever an individual decides to step behind the wheel, they take responsibility not only for their own lives but also the lives of every person traveling along the highway. It is commonly known how dangerous distracted driving is; however, it is also easy to forget the seemingly insignificant actions that might change a life forever. Reflection has opened my eyes to the potential dangers in even my slightest actions while driving, but nothing has shaped my outlook on driving more than my father's accident.

Like many other young drivers, I have been tempted on several occasions to look at my phone when I receive notification. Whether it is a text message, or directions, or changing music; actions like these may not seem as though they would be detrimental as they usually only last a couple of seconds, however, that two seconds is what allows for a stopped car, a pedestrian to walk in front, or another driver to take evasive measures. I have also found myself reaching down for a music player and having to take my attention off the road to make sure nothing is ahead in my path of view. These might not seem to be quite as perilous as others, but they still cause the driver to take their eyes off the most important thing: the road ahead.

The biggest reason for my unwavering refusal to partake in distracted or reckless driving stems from a life-altering incident I have experienced myself. A few years ago my father was involved in a vehicular accident that had been caused by reckless driving. The accident was serious enough that my dad had to be transported to the hospital and it is a memory I hold with me still when I hear the phone ring of the house phone. 

The second I heard the voice of a family member call from the other end of the phone I remember not caring about anything else besides my father’s survival. 

Having to witness a loved one suffering in the hospital and fighting for their life is a horrifying experience that should never happen. Fortuitously, following extensive medical treatment, my father was able to make a full recovery and to return to his home. Many families aren't as lucky.

My father’s experience has changed the way I view driving for good. Before my father was injured, I did know that distracted and reckless driving was something to be frowned upon, but never did I understand how quickly a life could change because of one small, ill-conceived decision made by one irresponsible driver. Every time I get into a car I think about that fear, and the possibility that every driver is putting their love one in someone else's hands without realizing it, solely because they weren't paying attention on the road, and I will go that extra mile every single time to ensure I don't put someone in those circumstances.

To prevent any bad habits, there are some simple yet efficient strategies I intend to implement: first, I will use the "Do Not Disturb While Driving" option every time I step foot into a car; this way if a message ever pops up, I will not be tempted to reach for it. I can always safely pull over before I use my phone. Second, I will set up my music and navigation systems before I start my car and wait until I'm at a stop light or have pulled over to make changes to them. 

If nothing else, I can just ask for a passenger to make adjustments for me. 

Third, I will keep the volume turned down low enough that I may hear other vehicles, especially emergency vehicles, honking or an ambulance rushing up behind me. Finally, even though it can be hard, I'm going to make sure my friends know that the most important job I have at that particular time is driving them safely, which may mean being less engaging than I would prefer.

Additionally, I plan to use myself as a judge and jury. There is no thought I like less than that; but every time I get into a car, I imagine my father is in the passenger seat. That thought reminds me of everything that would change in an instant if I took my eyes off the road for the tiniest portion of a second. Distracted driving is something that could happen to anyone at any given point in time, and that is something I intend to protect myself and everyone else on the road from.

Distracted driving is completely preventable but it causes countless accidents every year. The lesson I learned from my father’s experience was truly agonizing, but it is a lesson that saved his life, and it is a lesson that I never wish upon another soul. One text, call or song is not worth someone’s life.

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