The First True Milestone

The First True Milestone

There are few true milestones in a person’s life. We all feel that excitement when on the precipice of a new chapter in our lives. The sensation that comes with graduating high school, being accepted to college, or even the first paycheck we receive from our first job. The first of these milestones is the day we receive our driver’s license. This day brings the close of the first true chapter of life and ushers in our first glimpse at independence through the freedom brought by the open road, the wheels that carry you on it, and the destination that awaits us. The excitement that comes with our sixteenth birthday is felt with anticipation long before it comes, and then it is here just as fast.

However, with every great milestone comes its share of tribulations. There are many that reach this turning point of life and are unprepared for the risks and responsibility that comes with it, as a result we fall victim to the unpredictability of the road. I had my driver’s license for three months when my ignorance and lack of respect for the dangers of the road presented themselves. I was on the way to school traveling down a two-lane highway over the speed limit and following the pickup truck in front of me too closely, all because I was rushing to get to school on time. Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, he stopped quickly and without warning to turn off the road when I slammed into the rear of his truck. The seatbelt knocked the wind out of me and the airbags seared the hair off of my arms. Quickly, and disoriented, I jumped out of my vehicle to check on the other driver who was laid across the bench style seating of his pickup truck as the impact had knocked him out of his seat. Thankfully, he was coherent and received medical attention in a timely manner. I was lucky to have been able to walk out of my now totaled pickup truck and was quickly humbled to the responsibility that comes with driving.

The privilege to sit behind the wheel of a vehicle and drive on the road is life’s first true milestone. I underestimated the dangers and responsibility that comes with it until they looked me in the eye. Therefore, strong driving education and preparation is needed before getting behind the wheel. As drivers we must have respect for the road and drive responsibly by following all traffic laws. It is equally as important to take care of ourselves when not behind the wheel because our mental health when behind the wheel is important. We can accomplish this by making sure we are well rested and leave with an appropriate amount of time to reach our destination to prevent rushing due to the stress of being late. If I had followed the other driver at a safe distance and not been rushing above the speed limit, it is likely my accident would not have occurred. In doing so we ensure our safety and the safety of others traveling the open road and can continue the excitement that this new chapter brings with it.