Distracted Driving

On August 19th, 2021, my friend Izzy died as a passenger in a car crash. She and her friend were on their way home and drove off the road hitting a cement column supporting an overpass. There was no sign of her life, but the driver was still alive. I never did find out the back story as to the cause of the crash – whether it was distracted driving, car problems, or high rate of speed. Either way, it was a crushing experience for all who knew her. Izzy was a bright light in many people’s lives and was taken in seconds…way too soon. I never was able to have my last goodbye with her or even share one more hug. At school that day, she was the last person I talked to. She stopped me in the hallway and said, “Bye Avery, I’ll see you tomorrow”. I responded excitedly with, “Bye Izzy, have a great night!”.  I never would’ve guessed that would have been my last encounter with sweet Izzy.   

The story of Izzy’s death has not only changed how I live my day to day life, but how I approach driving. Everytime I enter the car, I realize the risk I am at while operating a vehicle. I need to be aware of my surroundings at all times, keep focus on the road, and not be distracted. I can’t control what the other cars on the road are doing, so I need to make sure I am extra alert to keep myself and others safe. I listen to music while I am driving, but I won’t text or call while driving because of the risk. Sending a text or making a phone call while driving could take my eyes off the road for only 5 seconds, but that is all it takes. That’s all it took for Izzy, just a couple of seconds. 

The need for driver education in our community is vast. There are many students on the road that were never properly taught how to operate a vehicle. The students that attended a driver education course are more likely to be aware of the dangers of driving. By attending the class, you aren’t automatically going to change the way you drive. You, as the driver, have a choice to change the way you operate your vehicle, or keep it the same. I hope that all teenagers will realize the risk they are putting themselves in even by one simple distraction such as texting while driving, placing a phone call, or trying to choose a song on their Spotify playlist. Driver education can’t prevent car wrecks from happening, but it can promote safety in our society and for the future generation. The number of driving deaths is increasing among our population each year, so young people need to know the risks associated with driving. 

In our world today, parents need to understand the risks involved for their teenage drivers and have restrictions on what they can do. Oftentimes teens will be out too late, driving illegally, or even sometimes driving drunk. Most parents are aware of the dangers of driving in those circumstances, but some parents don’t care enough to stop them. Parents should consider going to drivers ed classes with their kids to learn more about the positives and negatives of driving. If parents understand what is at risk, they are more likely to have conversations with their children and put rules and expectations in place. Having rules will help to avoid situations like distracted and drunk driving and reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

There are many ways we as a community can improve safer driving, but also from a personal standpoint. When I get in the car, I can start each drive with a prayer intention. Starting the drive with a prayer intention would help me to have that person in mind throughout the entirety of my trip. This way, I stay alert at all times on the road because I want to be alive for the next time I see that person. I don’t want someone to have to experience what I did. Losing a loved one without a goodbye is one of life’s toughest battles. Find as many ways as possible to help your loved ones and you stay alive for all that life has to offer you. I encourage everyone to find something that keeps them accountable while driving. When you are on the road, there is nothing more important than your life. Your text message can wait, but your life cannot.