In A Blink Of An Eye

When
I was younger, I dreamt of getting my drivers license. I saw in
movies how freeing the ability to drive was; to go where you wanted,
when you wanted, and to not be a burden towards other people for
rides. So, when the time finally came for me to take my behind the
wheel class, I was ecstatic. I paid great attention to my teacher,
passed all my tests, and got my permit. Right before I was scheduled
to take my drivers test, my family and I were coming back from a road
trip. It was around dusk and I wasn’t driving since I drove all day
during the daytime. My mom was behind the wheel, laughing at our
jokes, singing to songs, and getting us home safely. There were no
cars around us and we were all relaxed. Suddenly, another car crossed
the median and headed straight towards us. My mom moved all the way
over and the other driver tried so hard to regain control of their
vehicle. At that moment, everything was in slow motion. The car
grazed past the rear driver’s side and I could see the terror in
the other driver’s face. I went through so many emotions in a split
second; fear of getting hit, worries about my brother who was in the
direct line of the potential crash, and the brace for the impact.
Luckily, the other car didn’t hit us; instead, they regained
control and stopped away from danger. I started crying, along with my
mom, about what had almost been a life-altering event. It turns out
that the other driver was incredibly drunk and had a history of DUIs
in the past. I knew from right then and there that I would make sure
to always be the most responsible driver I can be. I got my drivers
license and made vow to remember that fear I felt on that fateful
night. That moment could’ve changed my entire future and I want
others to realize the effects their poor driving can have on others.
Drivers ed is at the top most importance for teaching drivers
to stay safe. More programs should be easily accessible with another
option for older drivers to retake and re-learn the dangers of
reckless driving; thus, lowering the amount of people who have their
lives taken due to accidents. There are so many options to help the
public learn and eventually lower these extremely high rates, like
more public service announcements. Now with cell phones being such a
distraction, more states need to implement the harsh punishments of
using your phone while driving. These rules will make people focus on
the road and no longer will they be distracted. As well, those who
get DUIs need harsher punishments from the get-go. Some states are
far too lax about their treatment of DUI criminals. It is of vital
importance to regulate these crimes to protect the lives of innocent
people. I vow to never check my phone while driving, I vow to call
others out when I see them doing distracting behavior, I vow to never
let any drunk person I see drive, and I vow to be an advocate for the
safety of others. We can all make a difference by becoming self-aware
and helping to promote a better society. Our change doesn’t have to
be gradual, it can be instantaneous and it starts with one voice.