Alert the Distracted

Driving in the 21^st century has become more dangerous by the year, especially for teenagers who are new to the roads. Novice drivers start their driving journey with the mindset that they can avoid an accident by being careful with the decisions they make on the road. In reality, another person’s choices can make the difference between a good drive and a fatality. By educating novice drivers that an accident is not something one can plan for, but something one has to always be ready for is important to decrease the amount of deaths on the road. Teaching students that drugs, alcohol, and distracted driving can also result in a reduced number of deaths caused by a teen. Teaching kids the importance of being sober and concentrated while driving in permit courses emphasizes how life changing these decisions can be. Another person’s decisions can determine whether you go home or to the hospital. It was a breezy afternoon when my entire family almost ended up in the emergency room. We were calmly coming home from a dinner party and we had stopped at a red light. The roads were practically deserted. When the light turned green, we were cruising down the road. Out of nowhere, before we crossed the light, I saw bright lights heading towards me on my side of the window. I just remember screaming and my dad speeding away. If it hadn’t been for my dad accelerating, we would have ended up with a totaled car and hospital fees. In situations like these, there is no way to prepare beforehand. The only solution is to be alert and aware of everything going on around you. Being aware of the causes for fatalities and being alert to what is going on around you can make the difference between a fatality or a smooth ride home. Always note if someone is acting abnormal on the road and be alert when driving past these people.