I can attribute my safe driving history to the invaluable resources from a formal driving education with hands on instruction. Since I first received my driver’s license when I was sixteen, I have witnessed many traffic incidents and have been affected by two separate driving accidents involving my older brother and fellow classmate. My parents, teachers, and driving instructors have impregnated my mind with the potential horrors of drunk and distracted driving. Despite being reminded and lectured to daily, young drivers are still very inexperienced and often rebellious when not under the watchful eye of an adult. I am always cautious and obey all the rules of the road when I am behind the wheel, where others are not.
Last year, my older brother was distracted on a Sunday morning when he was looking for music on his phone to play on his customized sound system in his Subaru that my parents gave him. He was on a road with several turns and lost control of his car. When he realized what was happening in that split second, he over corrected, went across the roadway, and flipped his car into a ditch. He was wearing a seatbelt and suffered no injuries, nor did he hurt anyone else or damage any property. The car deployed its airbags and was subsequently a total loss. He was cited for reckless driving and the insurance company shorted him on the loss. He is very grateful that the accident was not worse. He has since preached to all his friends and myself of the dangers of distracted driving and has learned to put his phone in the center console while behind the wheel of his Mazda, which was an intentional downgrade from my parents as a hard lesson learned.
My other personal experience did not have a good outcome. This past Thanksgiving night, my childhood friend and fellow classmate in high school went for a ride on his motorcycle after a day with his family. A truck was turning onto a road from across a divided rural route and did not see him approaching from the other direction. My friend hit the passenger side of the vehicle and died upon impact as the police reports read. It was tragic news and left a hole in my heart. It was understood that the driver of the truck did have alcohol in his system but may have been distracted himself. The fine details still remain unknown as the driver is in prison and my friend is gone. I have baked cookies several times for his mom and sit and share stories about him from time to time. At graduation, a moment of silence and a slideshow played before his diploma was given to his mother. This was a moment frozen in time for me and I will always remember him and what I have learned from these incidents when on a roadway.
My parents have always told me to stay within the speed limit and drive with eyes in the back of my head. My driving instructor mirrored the same statement. I realize that driving must be a fine balance between an offensive and defensive mindset. I do abide by those statements each time that I drive because it may not be my fault of a potential distraction but someone else behind the wheel of another car. With my brother’s lesson in mind, I also put my phone in the center console with the intent of out of sight, out of mind. I have shared this idea with my friends, and they understand the reasoning behind it, as I can only hope they are truthful about this practice when I am not with them.
A cell phone is the most logical culprit of distracted driving. Whether it be an incoming call, a text that can wait, or changing the music selection on the phone...all focus must be on driving and the rules of the road. Bluetooth and hands-free technology have helped in limiting using a phone while driving but the safety message must still be repeated over and over until the practice is as routine as putting on your seatbelt before shifting a car into drive. I advocate against distracted driving each time I am in a car as a driver or passenger. I urge my friends to keep a safe distance from a swaying car or when I see someone using their phones in another vehicle. It is necessary to carry a phone in today’s age in case of an emergency, but it is unnecessary to use it while focusing on driving. I had an opportunity to volunteer at The City of Punta Gorda’s Emergency Operations for a summer where I shadowed police and fire and rescue where stories were shared by first responders on “Doing the Right Thing.” They had stated how many accidents are the result of distracted driving. Having too many passengers in a car can be a dangerous distraction and you put other lives at risk when doing so. I rarely have more than one passenger with me and also share this lesson with my peers. After this volunteer activity, I received a trophy as well as a key to the city for my active participation. I proudly display these merits in my bedroom for all to see and they act as a talking point that brings up safe driving and the dangers of distraction behind the wheel.
When I attend college next fall, I plan on joining as many clubs as possible to not only meet new friends, but to also share my ideologies about life and past stories that have impacted my life. I plan on continuing to advocate safe driving each time I am in a car with my fellow students at The University of North Florida in Jacksonville. I realize that I am moving to a larger metropolitan area, so it is important to become even more vigilant about driving safety. I am not bringing my car as a freshman for my own personal safety so I can learn the lay of the land by using public transportation and my bicycle around campus. I attest and pledge to promote safe driving and avoid distractions while in a vehicle to enjoy the ride and preserve life.