The Long and Winding Road

The Long and Winding Road

I drowned out the music blasting from the stereo as I let my mind wander aimlessly from the backseat. My thoughts blurred into one as my eyes scanned the endless scene of trees and cars passing by. I glanced over my shoulder to find my best friend doing the same. We hated her brother’s music, but he was our ticket home. We approached a red light as I saw a familiar car in the rearview, my best friend’s cousin. He pulled up beside us and revved his engine, giving her brother ‘the look’. I knew what was coming. They were teenage boys after all.

“Don’t you dare,” my friend begged. But it was too late. I felt my head hit the backseat as the car flew into a rage, barreling towards the winding road. We flew side to side as the car weaved in and out of the lanes, trying to keep ahead of our opponent. “SERIOUSLY STOP” we wailed, but it was no use. “Why stop? We’re winning!” her brother exclaimed. The next thing I knew…BUMP… we flew over the side curb. Our car came to a screeching stop as we neared the house. “LET. US. OUT.” we demanded. We exited the car murmuring insults at our irresponsible ride. My friend looked over at him and began a very necessary lecture. “You could have killed us! Do you not even care? I’m telling mom!” she cried out. We were pissed. And terrified. We stood there explaining to the boys we will never set foot in the car again with them if they do not clean up their act. They said they felt remorseful, but let me tell you, they were sorry when they received the wrath of the parents.

We felt guilty getting the boys into trouble, but our lives, as well as the lives of many other innocent drivers were put at risk. This experience shaped my relationship with driving, as I never want anyone to feel the terror I felt in that car. I knew in order to make driving safer I could not be afraid to call out bad habits, even when done by people I am close to. I have hung up calls, snatched phones out of hands, and yelled at the top of my lungs to prevent distracted driving. Negative actions must be met with negative responses. Who knows how many lives you can save by turning off your phone or asking a passenger to field necessary calls or texts. My advice is: education and reeducation on dangers of distracted driving works. Call them out.

When learning to drive I had the three golden rules: put the phone away, keep your eyes on the road, and drive as if there is a cop right behind you. I repeat this every time I’m in a car, driver or not. But, now I add one more. Don’t distract yourself, it could be the reason someone doesn’t make it home today.