Glove Box

GloveBox

Like
every other teenager entering highschool, there were many milestones
I was very excited for. I anticipated the stereotypes of highschool;
meeting my first boyfriend, stressing over finals, and driving. While
all my expectations for my highschool experiences were met, one
significant event brought light upon the importance of driving
safety.

At
the beginning of my Sophomore year summer, I began practicing for my
driver license test. When I first began, my parents told me that my
phone should always go in the Glovebox. With a bluetooth connected,
there was no reason my phone should be out; changing the music,
texting someone back, or even checking a notification was
“prohibited”. I thought this was the most over dramatic rule, but
wanting to drive, I agreed. I practiced parking in the school’s
empty parking lot, driving down the long road notoriously known for
night racing, and even perfected driving in the only round-about in
town. However, no matter how prepared I thought I was, the
unprecedented events to occur the week after would be detrimental not
only to me, but the entire community.

Four
girls had gotten into an accident. The group was in a jeep with loud
music and a soft top. The driver was on and off her phone while the
girls in the back were almost out of their seats; the four were even
playing a game of tic-tac-toe with the car driving alongside them.
Most importantly, the driver’s phone was not in the glovebox. With
conditions such as these, an accident was bound to happen…

When
our school heard about the accident, it seemed as though the entire
town stopped to remember the girls and the consequences; 2 injured
and 2 dead. Every parent became worried for their child, whether it
be them driving or another. I remember hearing the news, and even
just being brief friends with the girls, my heart broke. I felt as
though it was not fair; the girls were so young and were destined for
a great life. I attended the candle ceremony. Everyone was quiet and
I could quite literally feel sorrow in the air. What was supposed to
be a happy summer for all, became devastating for many.

I
realized that I should be responsible not only for myself, but for
the benefit of the other drivers on the road. I realized that no
matter how careful you may be driving, someone being reckless around
you may be the problem. I realized that life can be taken from us in
any given moment and that we should do our best to respect the road
and those around us. I realized the importance of driving safely. The
quick second taken to check a phone may be the moment everything
ends, not only for you, but someone else.

So
today, whenever I drive, the first thing I do is put my phone… in
the Glovebox.

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