What would you do in the driver’s seat?

Ashlynn Small

Middletown High
School

What
would you do in the driver’s seat

I,
myself have never been in a car accident. But I have been affected by
one. Much like most people in today’s society. My mother, sister
and I were driving home from practice on a typical weeknight. My
close friends, riding in the notorious orange car in front of us. It
happened in what felt like milliseconds. Our light turned green, but
as we began to pull out into the intersection, a man, obviously on
his phone, rammed into the side of the orange car. As it skidded
across the road, I felt my soul leave my chest. A million thoughts
went through my head. Are they okay? Why was he on his phone? How did
he not see the red light? They were all rushed to the hospital but
luckily are healthy to this day.

Many
things could have prevented this accident which means that there are
steps that were not being taken to ensure everyone’s safety on the
road. Drivers ed is the most important factor in preventing
these accidents. When all drivers are properly educated on the rules
of the road, defensive driving, and proper driving etiquette, they
can better protect themselves and the people around them. Making it a
requirement to learn these tactics in more depth would greatly
decrease the number of accidents and even deaths on roadways.

To
become a better driver, I will “drive for other people.” Driving
for other people means to drive as though no one on the road knows
what they’re doing and to be extra careful of what those other cars
are doing. This way, I know I’m paying attention and I can quickly
react if needed.

All
of these things would greatly impact the number of deaths due to car
accidents and make it so that fewer people have to witness the
heart-wrenching experiences that many people do. So will you drive
for other people? What will you do in the driver’s seat?