Make Smart Choices and Plan Ahead

It was just another day on the job. My coworkers and I hopped into the ambulance, flipped on the sirens, and went on our way to the address we were called to. Except for this time, it wasn’t a specific address like we were accustomed to: with a number, street, and city. The dispatcher on the radio just announced “Manahawkin Bay Bridge, car hanging on the outer structure of the bridge.”
Upon arrival to the scene, my eyes saw exactly what my head had imagined when I heard the dispatcher’s words over the radio: a white jeep had one wheel hanging over the side barrier of the bridge, only one more accelerator pump away from plummeting into the ocean. Although I was in shock at the sight, I reminded myself to keep my professional face on. As we parked in the middle of the bridge, my team put on safety vests to prevent ourselves from being the next accident of the day from some reckless driver in a rush to get to the beach. I grabbed the laptop, where I collect patient data on each call, and I shuddered as I wrote the name of the patient. It was my friend; unrecognizable.
I have seen plenty of situations like these being a member of my local emergency medical services. Therefore I know that it is essential that more people, in fact, every driver, is aware of how dangerous driving can be. Although it is a convenient method of getting to one’s destination, one mistake, whether on the behalf of the driver or some stranger, can lead to disaster. We always hear about accidents happening due to tired people or people under the influence. However, it never clicks until there is a personal experience, which is what happened in the situation with my friend. It is so important for all drivers to take responsibility for their own actions and state of mind. A person must own when he or she is not in the proper condition to drive safely. An important step that can be taken is to plan ahead. It can be a good idea to contact a friend or family you know to be a designated driver. If there is no one that is able to be contacted, then it is still possible to call a ride service and pay some extra money. At the end of the day, that money spent on the ride has no value compared to your own life or the life of someone else that could be taken away from them. Another essential step that drivers must take is to avoid distracted driving. If there is a long car ride ahead, drivers can pre-make a playlist that will keep their ears occupied, but their eyes aware and on the road. In addition, the mindset that it is okay to look away from the road for just a few seconds needs to be removed. There is no need to take a picture of the sunrise while you are driving, which is what happened to my friend whose car ended up on the side of the bridge. I wish that I could go back and tell her, “If the sunrise really is that beautiful, pull over in a safe and legal area and then take the picture.” She was very lucky that her accident was not fatal. Overall, drivers must make wise decisions instead of those that are spur of the moment. To add on, it is important for drivers to refresh certain safety skills. I remember being in my high school driver’s ed class and learning about hydroplaning. At the time, it seemed unimportant to learn about such a small thing, but I realized it was essential especially because it teaches humans to break out of their natural instinct if it were to happen. This is only one example of road safety that it is important for drivers to be aware of.
As for myself, in order to be a safer driver, I think about the things I will need when I am driving alone. I place my water bottle within arm reach and make sure to make myself comfortable. If I know that someone else from my family has used the car recently, I am sure to check the mirrors and seat position so that I am most comfortable while driving. When I am in the passenger seat while others are driving, I offer to be the one in control of the music. Not because I think my music is better, but because it can be a distraction for the driver to change it.
Do not end up like my friend. Make smart choices and plan ahead.