This Car Can Kill

You may not think of it when you get in your vehicle, but every time you start that engine, your life could be ended in seconds. Driving is such a dangerous yet simple task that more than 22 million people in the US simply do to get from point A to point B. Every second someone is killed in a vehicle related accident, but citizens aren’t phased to the root of this problem which is basic vehicle safety we all should have learned prior to getting behind the wheel. If you are reading this, and are a driver, you NEED to listen closely.

A girl at the age of 12 was sitting in the backseat of the car taking a nap on the way to grandma's house with her two parents in the front seat. You would think they arrived at their destination safely, but you’re wrong. That girl woke up to her grandma not at her house, but in the hospital. Dad the driver in critical condition, and mom the passenger suffering from broken bones. Who would’ve known that her dads glance to the phone while driving could’ve ended a whole family. That girl…was me.

Ever since that accident, my only mission while driving has been to get me and everyone in my car to the destination alive while not putting anyone on the road in danger as well. Before putting the key into the ignition, everyone needs to take drivers ed seriously because it gives you the knowledge, information, and keys to know what tragedy lies ahead on that road. The basic framework of drivers education will keep you, and loved ones safe, and thankfully it’s available to us at the tips of our fingers. To reduce the number of driving related deaths, drivers must keep all attention on the road, and nothing but the road. Phone ringing? So what. Makeup messed up? So what. You have plenty of time to deal with life’s problems, but nothing is more important than keeping you, and everyone in that car alive. Another vital importance of safe driving is being a defensive driver. Everyone needs to pretend that everybody alongside you is clueless about driving, and could end your life in an instant. By being a defensive driver and keeping an eye out for those types of drivers, you’ll increase the chances of making it to your destination alive. Think before you do, make scenarios quickly in your head, and most importantly, never do anything risky to put your life in danger on the road. Personally, the steps that I take to be a better driver are always put my phone in the backseat on silent before driving, know how to get to my destination before hand, and that cheesy yet vital one, NEVER keep my eyes off the road, because in reality, that’s a death waiting to happen. Life is precious, and shouldn’t be ended by a vehicle accident. Drive SAFE, and drive SMART!