Safety First

Whenever I get into a car, I cannot help but fear the effects inflicted upon the many victims of 17,000 car accidents that occur every single day in the United States. Within a single year, that adds up to a staggering 6.2 million a year. Of the millions who've been victims of car accidents, 30% end up with injuries (varying from minor to severe), while 1% end up in fatalities. Furthermore, 58% of these fatalities extend to passengers within the car. These vehicular incidents happen quite a bit, every single day of the year, resulting in a total of 2.5% of the total US population that drives cars. Although these percentages may seem small, it is essential to consider the total population of drivers in the USA, which is approximately 242 million people. As a result, those seemingly insignificant numbers affect a multitude of people.
These statistics are not just numbers to me, they are a reality I have faced firsthand at a young age. I was on the way back home, sitting comfortably in the backseat of my dad's car, feeling safe and secure as any other kid would in the company of their parent. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a drunk driver (who unfortunately accounts for 10% of non-fatal car accidents and a shocking 30% of fatal ones) crashed violently into the side of my dad's car. The combination of these dangerous variables resulted in my dad's car being damaged beyond repair and, much more tragically, his spine being quite injured, a painful reality that changed the way he navigates his day-to-day life. The effects of this incident still compromise his days, from chronic pain to limited job availability, serving as a constant reminder of how quickly things can go wrong on the road. Now my dad balances a variety of jobs just to get by and provide for me. Fortunately for me, though, after thorough and extensive checking by the doctors at the hospital, I turned out fine, thanks in large part to the extensive safety measures my dad had always taken to make sure my booster seat was secured tightly to his SUV. After this dangerous and traumatic accident, I have, unfortunately, encountered many more instances where reckless drivers have jeopardized my life and safety. These drivers tend to completely disregard not only their own safety but also that of those around them, simply because they allow their emotions, distractions, or other negative influences to get the better of them while behind the wheel. What's even worse is that if I am a passenger in the car with these drivers, they often ignore or disregard my pleas for them to drive safely, to the point that I have found myself placed in many near-accident situations in different locations, one of the most prominent being in the middle of a busy freeway. A recent incident was a frighteningly close call: I was in the passenger seat, being driven back home, when all of a sudden, the car I was riding in had its vehicle side mirror torn clean off by a passing car. Had it been any closer, I am not sure I would be here, typing this essay or even applying for this scholarship at all. It is a chilling thought that reminds me how important car safety is.
These memories of dangerous encounters on the road have left a lasting emotional mark, making me deeply aware of the importance of making responsible choices that consider the safety of all involved while on the road. I have become extremely selective with those who drive me, as I do not want to contribute to the percentage of people being in a car accident. They have also made me more aware of the safety regulations and their importance. Now, every time I enter a vehicle, I make it a point to check that everyone is buckled in and the driver is fully alert and attentive. As a result of being surrounded by friends who intend to get their driver's permit, I feel that I must do my best in the future to emphasize how crucial it is to always wear a seatbelt, to always obey the speed limit, and to never ever drive distracted. There is an importance in safety as well as the laws put in place to protect everyone to ensure a safe drive and prevent future accidents from affecting those closest to me. By starting conversations about safe driving and sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to think twice before taking risks behind the wheel.