Distractions on the road

Children crying.

Adults screaming.

Warning lights flashing.

Horns blaring.

A day that started out like any other,

But almost ended in tragidy.

I was in 5th grade.

My sister in 3rd.

We ride the school bus together everyday, before and after school.

The bus dropped us off at our stop after school right on time.

That big red stop sign comes out.

We get off the bus and cross the street in front of the bus.

What happens next is a blur of screaming and swearing.

A crash.

My sister, this small person I would truly die for,

Is on the ground.

Over her is a car with a middle aged woman.

On her phone.

She was so pre-occupied sending a text, that she didn't see this bright yellow flashing bus right in front of her face.

She didn't notice the 5 children crossing the street, or the smallest child running up ahead.

She didn't notice because she wasn't looking.

This day almost ended in tragidy.

We're lucky it didn't. 

My sister was fine.

She recovered. 

She had full mobility.

She moved on to become a middle schooler and will be a Freshman next year.

She has made friends.

She has made connections.

But this isn't always the case.

Most people WILL NOT walk away.

Most people WILL NOT get up from under that car.

They won't be there to hug their parents, their family, their friends, their neighbors.

They won't be able to do any of that.

Their parents will have to attend their funeral.

Their friends would have to get over the loss.

And for what?

A text?

A phone call?

That text sent from that woman almost took my sister.

She almost took a life.

But she didn't.

My sister was strong that day.

She walked away.

So, I'm asking you this.

Is that text worth a life?

Is that text worth the future of a family?

That text may seem innocent, but it's not.

It's deadly.

Your eyes leave the road for a split second.

In that second, there is an obstacle that they could easily pass.

But.

They.

Weren't.

Looking.

Don't text and drive.

Keep your hands on that wheel and keep your eyes on your surroundings.

Don't tempt fate.

That text can wait.

Author's Note

This is a true story. I was just thinking about it when we went over this leasson in traffic safety at school today. Distracted driving has killed many people from my school. And I don't want it to happen again. Even if you think you are a skilled enough driver to have your phone out while behind the wheel, please think of the costs. You are putting yourself and others at risk. Spread the word on this serious issue that we face. Thanks for reading and stay safe <3

Reviews

[Hannah]

This is a very powerful story, and I'm so glad things were as bad as they could have been. It's terrible how people take things for granted. As you highlight very well, accidents can happen at anytime to anyone. They can even happen if people are being careful but just in the wrong place or in the wrong conditions. You cannot be cautious enough. You never know who you might hurt.

[Faust]

Thanks for the review. What you say is very true. The freedom to drive isn't a privilege, it's a responsibility. They are responsible for themselves and others on the road, and they shouldn't abuse this freedom from getting to point A to point B. I still have yet to start driving, and it's not something I am looking forward to.

[Hannah]

Many people with bad experiences with cars don't want to drive or are afraid of it. Like most things, the apprehension goes away once you get used to it. With how careful you'll probably be, I'm sure you'll be great.

[Faust]

Thanks :) I sure hope so. I'm passing all the written tests in the class, but I've only been behind the wheel once.