Name: Gracie Green
From: Ponder, Texas
Votes: 48
We
have heard the words, “the world doesn’t revolve around you,” our
entire lives. And when we hit the open road for the first time at
sixteen, we learn the meaning behind the sentence and it becomes a
statement. We all see we don’t just have to worry about ourselves,
but the irresponsibility of others. We learn there is something to
the seemingly endless drivers’ ed classes, and that there are things
that we can do to make the roads safer for other drivers.
I
have always been a very conscious and observant person, especially
when it comes to driving and what other drivers may do. My dad being
a firefighter/paramedic really helped to instill a sense of safety
and what might happen if I break the law while driving. I know most
of the people I have grown up around lied about their driving hours
to get their license, and do not know the laws that could potentially
prevent accidents, thus saving more lives. Simple things such as
adjusting and checking your mirrors, remembering that magic thing
called a blinker, and putting your phone in the glove box are the
first steps that we can take to prevent tragedy.
I
have never been in an actual car wreck, but I know many people who
have been in multiple accidents. I have heard about and taken their
mistakes to heart as things I should not do while driving. Recently,
a girl who attended Tarleton State, posted a picture of her drinking
while driving, I cannot remember her exact wording, but basically,
she bragged about her luck being able to drive drunk “successfully.”
This is not luck for her, it is reckless and disgusting, the only
lucky people are the sober drivers on the road who made it home safe
and sound. How easy the tables could have turned, how easy could
there had been an accident, one that would potentially tear a family
apart with heartbreak so deep, how easily could they not been so
lucky. Are a few drinks and a drunk drive worth an innocent life? Are
our bad habits really worth bragging rights?
Unfortunately,
we cannot fix everyone on the road, but we can check and fix
ourselves. It’s fine to go out with friends, but make sure you have
a safe way home, and that snap from a cute boy can always wait, use
your blinker, and keep your eyes on the road. Following the law, and
staying alert can make all the difference as to if someone makes it
home safely.
