Life Changing Decisions

Life Changing Decisions

Last year, in celebration of my birthday, myself and two children both under five, decided to visit an art exhibit in Cleveland called Prismatica. On the way one road had an unexpected detour. We followed the road signs as my unaware GPS spoke over my radio that I had turned the wrong way. We waited patiently at an unfamiliar red light where we were rear-ended by a distracted driver looking at her phone for directions. My children had minor injuries as a result, but I had sprained all my cervical vertebrae as a result of the impact.

Prior to this accident I drove anywhere I wanted at whatever time I wanted not accounting for the very real dangers of the highway. It is important to know that accidents can and will happen. Distracted driving is a very serious danger to yourself and all other people on the road. I believe simple presentations about the risks of driving even when you are not distracted but a fellow driver is may be a good way to start the campaign to lessen deaths on the roadways and raise awareness. But this alone is not enough, I believe defensive driving should be taught to all drivers especially responsible young adults to lessen the impacts between two vehicles.

In order to increase the safety of my children as well as myself since this accident I have asked myself a list of questions regarding our car rides.

Are the road conditions good or poor, am I prepared for them?

Am I prepared for the length of the trip ahead, are we properly restrained?

Is my phone on silent mode so as not to be tempted to answer it while driving?

If I am to have passengers, are they aware of my personal needs while driving i.e. no talking while driving, no loud music, always stay seated, respect my personal space?

Due to fear of another yet more serious accident, I have also taken into account my own habits, such as not getting enough sleep before an early morning appointment and the necessity of the drive. My heightened awareness is also in part of remembering the skills I was taught by my father when first getting behind the wheel.