Dangers of Distracted Driving

Driving is a
necessity for almost all people. It’s a sense of freedom to new
drivers, but also one of the most dangerous things that someone can
do. Every time someone gets in the driver’s seat of a vehicle, they
are instantly putting their lives, along with the lives of thousands
of others, at risk.

Drivers ed
should always be a requirement for upcoming and new drivers because
although we can’t completely stop car accidents, we can help new
drivers know how to avoid them and what to do in the event of one. In
my opinion, if we demonstrate to students what could happen to them
by showing them what has happened in past car crashes, like
fatalities, then maybe they will realize that it could be them if
they do not practice safe driving. Based on the research I have done
and seeing some of the things that have happened to teenagers,
babies, and adults, I have continued to be a cautious driver. I have
seen terrible images of car crashes and I will never be the cause of
one.

One year ago, on
March 14, 2019, I lost my best friend to a car accident. She got
distracted while driving, hit the rumble strips, panicked and swerved
violently to get back on the road. While she was in her lane, another
driver on the opposite side of the road was not paying attention.
went into her lane and hit her head-on. She was pronounced brain dead
on the scene. Every time I drive, I remember how she would still be
here if it weren’t for the person who wasn’t paying attention
while driving. This experience has made me a better driver and has
helped me influence my friends to be more cautious drivers as well. I
miss her more and more every day. Thankfully, I have never been in a
car accident. However, I have been run off the road and into a ditch
going 45 miles per hour, due to someone in the opposite direction not
paying attention. I swerved and avoided being hit head-on.

I believe I can help
influence people to be better drivers by sharing my story and the
story of my friend with my friends, classmates and loved ones as a
warning to always pay attention to other people on the road, as well
as yourself. I can remind them to never, under any circumstance, text
or be under the influence while driving. Don’t be the cause of
someone losing their child, sibling, parent, or best friend. Driving
is a necessity for almost all people, so make sure you are smart and
safe while doing it.