The Importance Of Driving Sober

When I was about two years old, my uncle Johnny, who was about twenty three at the time, was involved in a horrific crash. I do not recall this event, but my parents explain being awoken by a call at two in the morning. After they heard the news from my Grandma Diane, they rushed to the scene where they were met with a totaled car and terrible news. Luckily, my uncle had survived, but with an extensive brain injury. While going through three years of difficult therapy, where he learned to walk and eat again; the driver, a good friend of his, was sent to jail. One of their close friends and a passenger in the other car had passed away at the scene. The driver was sent to jail for five years after being charged with involuntary manslaughter with the use of a motor vehicle. When these three friends went out that night, they only planned on having a good time, never imagining it would completely change their lives forever.

The driver had been attempting to race a random car, which is why he crossed over the centerline just before a big hill. Another car was going the opposite way, which caused the two vehicles to crash head on. The man driving the other car was simply driving to get where he needed to be, possibly home or to a friend’s house. He did not know he would meet a group of drunken young adults, driving recklessly. This situation goes to show that drivers ed is important so that drivers can learn and respect the rules to ensure their safety and the safety of the people around them. Learning to accept the rules of the road would hopefully cause less crashes and therefore fewer deaths from the result of reckless driving. My uncle still has problems due to his brain injury, such as having a harder time remembering things and speaking longer sentences. A car crash can change everything, and sometimes you can never get certain things back.

The steps I take now to ensure my safety on the road are simple, but mean a lot. If anyone who has been drinking asks me to give them a ride home, so that they do not drive themselves, I always accept. Driving under the influence caused my uncle and his friend’s lives to be ruined forever. If I can help even one person avoid this fate, then I think it makes a world of a difference. Encouraging this behavior in adults, to never drive while drunk, could drastically reduce the amount of crashes. I also remind myself to always keep my focus on the road, and never on my phone. Being distracted while driving is also a large problem. A lot can happen in the five seconds it takes for a driver to glance at their phone. Driving responsibly would also ensure other driver’s safety on the road. When I do my own part to stay safe, I help others to stay safe also.