“I was only 14- years old”

One evening, 4 teenagers were on their way from a team dinner, when their car was struck by a 34- year old drunk driver named Amendeep Singh who was driving on the wrong side of the road with a blood alcohol of over twice the legal limit. “`. In this event 2 of the teenagers who were identified as Ethan Falkwitz and Drew Hassenbein unfortunately passed away. According to Pix11 news, one of Ethan’s friends stated, “He was really sweet. He was a really unique person. He was really nice and everybody loved him. He was really fun to be around. I’m really upset that he’s gone.” Timber Lake Camp grieved Drew as well they stated, “Those of us who knew Drew saw in him great promise, not only due to his exceptional talents in tennis , kind, thoughtful and much-admired friend to many.” A local tennis club on facebook also vocalized that, “It is with the heaviest heart that we share the passing of two of Roslyn’s most talented players Ethan Falkwitz and Drew Hassenbein.” “ They were extremely special boys who were best friends and who will be missed greatly by our community.” These boys had so much more of their life to live. No more parties. No more games. They couldn’t even make it to their first day of highschool, where all the girls would love them due to their high profile in their sports. Not only did Amendeep Singh end both of these little boy’s lives, but fled the scene once he crashed into them feeling no remorse. As individuals we must be cautious, understanding, and knowledgeable whilst driving.

First, we as individuals must be cautious while driving because in the blink of an eye one head turn could be fatal to someone’s life. It could be fatal to a little boy who didn’t even make it to his kindergarten graduation, a little girl who was going to prom, a single mom with 3 kids. Who’s going to look after those kid’s once she’s gone? Who is going to be there to comfort them in one of the hardest times of their lives. That person has taken their mother, the one thing that we all need. In some cases of reckless driving someone could end up in a vegetative state which is even worse. Suffering in silence is the worst pain imaginable. We can be cautious by not engaging in distracted driving. This includes no texting while driving. As well as no drunk driving. Being attentive while driving is extremely important. Everyday while driving,we should be cautious because you never know what will happen on a sunny day, when everything seems fine.

Furthermore, we as individuals must be understanding while driving because we never know what a person behind the wheel of a car is capable of. Stating this means people carry road rage. Road rage is violent anger caused by stress and frustration involved in driving a motor vehicle in difficult conditions. Being understanding implies that if someone overly honks at us, that doesn’t mean chasing them down and doing it back. Because at any point in time this person could express their road rage, by swerving and trying to cause a wreck. Being understanding would also mean that this person may have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed that day, and to just let them honk without any response and or reaction because there are other individuals on the road that could be harmed in the process.

Moreover, we as individuals must be knowledgeable while driving so that we and others remain safe. We should be knowledgeable about wearing our seatbelts, turning on our blinkers, looking out of our rearview mirror to spot oncoming traffic. This would also mean passing your driver test, and not driving without your license. It means to continue abiding by the rules of driving that lay in your driving handbook. Being knowledgeable means knowing the rules of driving not only for your safety but for your counterparts that surround you while driving as well.

Ultimately, As individuals we must be cautious, understanding, and knowledgeable whilst driving. Within doing so we are able to protect ourselves and others from fatal instances while controlling a motor vehicle. My mom always told me “ driving is dangerous, it could end someone’s life, always be careful.” Ever since I’ve started driving and noticed the dangers that come with it, I have stuck to her motto. Next time you’re driving, think about those two 14-year old boys who didn’t even get to make it to their first day of highschool, or didn’t even get to tell their parents they love them after a team dinner. On your next drive will you now think of the fatalities that result in careless driving?