It's Not Worth Losing Everything

The deer that ran into my car while I was driving came out of nowhere. One second I was a newly licensed teenager, heading to basketball practice. The next second I was a young adult, giving the kind officers my information, and calling my parents for help with what to do next. I was lucky. Although the car was totaled, I was not injured. I will forever be grateful that things didn’t turn out worse. I learned a lot that day about how quickly accidents can happen. I was lucky that I wasn’t driving too quickly. If I had been speeding, the outcome may have been different. I think a lot about that day, and about how terrifying accidents can be. That day, I was concerned about making it to practice. I think about that when I am behind the wheel. I never want to do anything to jeopardize my health, my safety, or my life. I think about what would happen if I were to get injured in an accident and weren’t able to play basketball. Now that I’m heading off to college to play basketball in the fall, I think about how important it is to put myself in safe situations. It's just not worth risking the things that matter to you, because you chose to drive irresponsibly. No phone call, or text, or anything else that impacts your ability to drive safely and without distraction, is that important. 

My experience taught me that safe driving is about understanding that every decision made behind the wheel can have serious consequences. Driver education plays an important role in helping people understand these responsibilities. The emphasis on defensive driving skills can help new drivers develop habits that will protect them throughout their lives. My accident  reminded me that hazards are not always other vehicles. Animals, weather conditions, road construction, and other unexpected obstacles can appear with little warning. Drivers need to stay focused and alert at all times. I also think it is important for young drivers to understand that experience matters. When I first got my license, I felt excited about the freedom that came with driving. I could go to practice, visit friends, and travel without depending on my parents. However, I now realize that having a license does not automatically make someone an experienced driver. Good judgment develops over time. The more time spent driving responsibly, the more prepared a person becomes for difficult situations. That is why it is so important for new drivers to take driver education seriously and continue learning even after they get their license. 

As a student-athlete, I know that success requires discipline both on and off the court. The same qualities that help athletes succeed in sports can help drivers stay safe. Focus, responsibility, preparation, and self-control are all important when driving. Just as I would never intentionally put my team at risk, I should never put myself, my passengers, or other drivers at risk as a result of my choices behind the wheel. My experience taught me to respect the responsibility that comes with driving and to never take safety for granted. As I prepare for the next chapter of my life in college, I will carry that lesson with me. 

As I prepare to leave for college, I know there are steps I can take to become a better and safer driver. I can continue to avoid distractions by putting my phone away while driving. I can make sure I always wear my seat belt and encourage passengers to do the same. I can leave earlier for appointments and practices so that I never feel pressured to speed. I can stay alert, especially when driving at night or in areas where deer are common. Most importantly, I can remember the lesson I learned from my accident; anything can happen in an instant. Safe driving requires patience, responsibility, and good judgment. My accident showed me how quickly a normal day can change. Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to learn from that experience without suffering a serious injury. Because of that, I am committed to making safe choices every time I get behind the wheel. By taking driving seriously and encouraging others to do the same, we can all help make the roads safer for everyone. Safe driving is not something that matters only when taking a test or earning a license. It is a lifelong commitment that can protect lives, prevent tragedies, and ensure that everyone arrives home safely.