I Almost Killed Someone

I ALMOST KILLED SOMEONE

Driver’s Education training literally saved my life! After staying up most of the night at my older sister’s house cleaning, I was tired and uneager to wake up in five hours to drive the 45 minutes home. Unfortunately, I had to get home as I had school the next day and a mountain of homework. She was the mother of two young boys, overwhelmed with housework, and in need of my help.

Usually, driving the long way home was not a problem for me; however, I am unsure as to what happened that particular day. I remember the sun glaring at me, the heaviness on my eyelids, and the thought of being home soon. I was awake and then I was not. When I miraculously woke up, I suddenly was aware of being on the wrong side of the road just two minutes from home. I was terrified, but somehow my hands reacted instantly. If I had woke up a millisecond later, I would have crashed into the car coming straight at me, causing a head-on collision. The hard truth was that I could have killed myself and others that day if I had not reacted in the way I was taught in my driver’s training course – never swerve or panic as it is easy to oversteer. Because my reaction was instinctive due to prior training, it likely saved my life and others!

In big cities, I have seen the flashing signs on the freeways saying, “Don’t Drive Drowsy”, but I had no idea how important those words are. I am sure I am not the only one that has gotten behind the steering wheel thinking that even though I am tired, I will be just fine driving home. Driving drowsy is not something that is in the public awareness on a consistent basis like other phrases such as, “Don’t drink and drive”. Maybe if it is talked about more, I would have given more thought before driving that day. Billboards with the topic should be displayed along roadsides everywhere bringing the topic more attention.

Although driver’s training is the most important step for young drivers to become responsible drivers, I feel more still needs to be done. When researching the topic, I verified my belief that most car accidents happen within five minutes or less of a driver’s home. Apparently, drivers just like me, get too relaxed and start to drive on “auto-pilot” as they near home. In the future, I will make sure I have had adequate rest before driving and will encourage others to do so as well.

That day is still imprinted on my brain. After my incident, it took a long time for my parents to calm me down. I could not forgive myself for closing my eyes, even though I couldn’t remember the exact moment that I did. If it were not for my parents who helped me get back behind the wheel, I probably would not be driving today.