In a Matter of Seconds

In a Matter of Seconds

Imagine driving to a hotel with your wife and son in the car after spending Easter day with your family. One moment, it is just another annual Easter Sunday down, and the next, you have taken your last breath without even knowing it. Tragic, right? Well, this is exactly what happened to my Aunt Donna and Uncle Mitch. Unfortunately, this is only one of a countless number of other accidents that have occurred. In fact, statistics show an average of 1.35 million people die each year in road crashes; an average of 3,700 people lose their lives each day on the roads. Something must be done to make the roads a safer place. A few of the several solutions to making the roads safer include: putting your phone down, avoid driving while intoxicated or tired, wearing a seat belt, having your full attention on the road, and learning the proper procedures while driving.

In today’s generation, it is extremely common to look over to the car next to you only to find the driver has their phone in their hand. One out of every four car accidents in the United States are caused by texting and driving. Sending a text is not worth risking your own and other’s lives. It is simply a selfish thing to do and can most likely wait until you have parked. Rather than risking lives by texting and driving, you can wait to send the text, place your cell phone out of reach, send the text from a voice activated source such as Siri, or pulling over if necessary. These simple adjustments can save lives.

Another step that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving is to avoid driving while intoxicated. A close friend of mine was on her way to work one morning when she was suddenly struck by a driver who was under the influence of drugs. Her car landed in a ditch, with the steering wheel lying on her lap. She was lucky to make it out alive. A total of nine of her bones were broken, and a five-month recovery was all necessary because of someone’s irresponsible actions. If you insist on drinking alcohol or using any other substances that impair your senses, do not get on the roads. Get someone to drive you home safely or do not go out at all. It is as simple as that.

As previously mentioned, my Aunt Donna and Uncle Mitch were involved in a traumatic car accident with their son, Edmond, in the back seat. Uncle Mitch had been driving to their hotel after a long day and had been working nonstop the previous weeks. He was exhausted. While driving, Uncle Mitch began to doze off, causing him to swerve into the opposite lane. The three of them hit a car head-on. Both, Aunt Donna and Uncle Mitch were not wearing their seat belts and died on impact. Seven-year-old, Edmond, was strapped in the back with his seat belt and had survived the accident. This is a perfect example of just how important wearing your seat belt really is. Something as simple as this can be the difference between life or death. Another lesson to be learned from this heartbreaking accident is to never drive while tired. If you are in the middle of driving and find yourself becoming sleepy, many find it helpful to turn the music up and roll down the windows. However, the most responsible thing to do would be avoiding this completely.

One of the most important steps in safe driving is having your full attention on the road. Another one of my uncles, Uncle Warren, did not practice this step and it cost him 21 years of his life. After fixing his muffler, Uncle Warren decided to drive his motorcycle down the street. He looked back at the muffler for a split second and lost control of his bike. He ran off the road and hit a telephone pole. At the age of 32, my uncle was placed in the hospital for the next 21 years. He lived the remainder of his life there with the brain of about a three-year-old. Never take your attention off the road whether it is to change a song, look at the person sitting in the passenger seat, or focusing your attention on something outside. Instead, a playlist should be made beforehand that way there is no temptation to turn your focus from the highway.

Getting on the road can be exciting for a new driver, but it also comes with great responsibility and dangers. Teaching young drivers the responsible way to drive is crucial. Drivers Education allows for students to become comfortable with driving and learning the rules of the roads. Without this knowledge, it is much more likely for an accident to occur. If drivers would practice these few easy steps discussed, it would make the roads a whole lot safer. These steps have the power of saving lives. Do not wait for something horrible to happen to you are someone close to you before making a change. Be the change.