A Turning Point

At some point in their lives, everyone goes through a tragic event that leaves them feeling helpless and causes us to examine how we perceive the world. Whether or not these incidents endanger our lives, they alter our bodily, emotional, and mental perspectives of the world. Most of the time, these occurrences have an impact on developments that shape who we are today. Although these events may have a negative impact on a person, they typically serve as turning moments in our lives because they push us to become better versions of ourselves. The incidents could either signal a clear shift in our lives or our entire perspective. Turning moments force us to grow as individuals and to appreciate life. There have been a few of these points in my life but one that sticks in mind and affects my actions until this day is when I was involved in a road accident four years ago.

I had completed my driving test a few months back and acquired my first car. Driving is something that had always interested me since I was a child. The day I started driving it was like a dream come true. I enjoyed everything related to cars especially the freedom of controlling speed. I liked to drive fast it gave me an absolute thrill to know I can manage the vehicle at a certain speed. On that fateful day, I was driving fast like I always do. I do not quite understand what happened one moment I was enjoying the adrenaline rush the next I realized I had lost control of the car. I remember something happening to the steering wheel, and I was on the wrong side of the road driving into an oncoming truck. I was more than terrified trying to make the seconds count with no luck. That is when I realized it is sheer death and started praying.

Things happened so fast, and I remember waking up in the hospital. Fortunately, the truck driver had noticed my lack of control and tried to divert the truck. However, he could not entirely prevent the accident, and one side of my car was completely ruined. Lucky enough, I had fastened my seat belt and sustained minor injuries and a mild concussion. It was at that moment seconds before the accident, when I was not sure of my life that was my turning point.

The experience was a turning point in my life because I knew it was through luck and prayers that I survived. I believe I was given a second chance which makes me appreciate life. I am currently one of the most careful drivers there is and can longer drive fast. The adrenaline rush I used to enjoy no longer fascinates me. Although the accident helped me realize how delicate life is, I underwent a long journey of emotional problems. Months after the crash I was still afraid to drive. The image of the oncoming truck is irrevocably burned into my mind.

After a multitude counseling sessions, I realized that accidents are mostly created by our actions and decided I will not only drive at the recommended speed but always practice all the safety procedures to avoid distracted driving. While my general perspective of life changed, the particular change caused by the incident is in my driving skills. Safe driving is my priority irrespective of whether am the driver or a mere passenger.

Road accidents as a result of over speeding and distracted driving claim thousands of lives in the USA annually. A majority of these accidents involve teenagers since many of them are novice drivers. Acquiring a driver’s license is a turning point in the lives of many teenagers. As such, it is vital for teens to handle this life-changing event positively by making responsible decisions and recognizing the hazards involved in driving.

For instance, former first lady Laura Bush came clean on her involvement in a fatal accident in 1963 in her 2010 book Spoken from the heart (Desantis). The accident took place when Laura Bush, a Texas native was only 17. Laura described that she was headed out with a friend and partially because she was busy chatting ran a stop sign. She crashed the car of a famous athlete student who went at her school. The teenager, Michael Douglas, died shortly afterward in a health facility as a result of his injuries. Bush admitted in her book the loss racked her with guilt for many years. According to her, the accident changed her driving habits and was keen to stop at the signs and follow all the safety rules of the road to the later. While she never faced any charges, she recognizes that the experience changed her entire perception of life especially driving. Like Laura Bush, many vehicles crash survivors report a positive change in their lives following a near brush with death.

Statistics indicate that the USA records the highest number of fatalities as a result of car crashes in a year than any other high-income country (Chen). The mortality and morbidity prevalence rates are a concern for each person in the society. In my opinion, change in perception is necessary since it works to reduce these statistics. Efforts to influence my friends on the importance of responsible decisions when driving works in efforts to reduce the total number of car crashes due to distracted driving, over-speeding or drunk driving. While the USA has recorded reduction in motor vehicle deaths annually in the past decade, statistics recorded claims many lives living thousands maimed (NHTSA 3). These statistics are especially high in young adults due to a combination of immaturity and inexperience that influence risk-taking behaviors.

The accident changed my entire world look on driving. Most of my friends enjoy driving fast, and even some are involved in minor races, but I cannot fathom the thought of driving beyond suggested speed. When I am catching a ride with one of my friends I insist on them driving at the recommended speed limit. Before my accident, it was common for me to use my phone while driving sometimes going to the extent of texting. I had this conceptualized view that it was all in the skill of multitasking.

However, the experience pinpointed that all it took is a second of lack of control. I discourage my friends from using phones or concentrating on other activities unrelated to driving. Two years ago I was catching a ride with my friend, and he was on the phone. I remember getting very angry since he claimed that he was merely talking not texting and I insisted that a road accident is not about experience but one miscalculated distraction. I never drink and drive, I follow all the road rules and avoid distraction as a life rule.

If I were not involved in the car accident, I believe I would not have had any issue with my driving speed. I would have continued to obsess on speed trying to outshine all my friends. Driving beyond the recommended speed limit might have gotten me several tickets or an arrest. Similarly, driving fast is riskier and may have gotten me in an accident where I would not be so lucky. If my perceptions had not changed, I would not have had any problems with driving while texting or on the phone.

Change in attitude has helped me mature regarding driving habits, and I discourage my friends from distracted driving. If it were not for the change in perception, I would probably be one of the most careless drivers in the world without regard for the value of life. I would have continued to take life for granted without bothering to seek happiness and appreciate every moment. The clarity of how life can quickly be taken from me has inspired me to live one moment at a time.

Crashes are terrifying for the drivers and everyone involved. The near interaction with death influences positive changes for the survivors from a new appreciation of how fragile life is, to the decision to drive slower and careful or to the realization of how lucky we could get. My experience has influenced me to make responsible decisions while driving and to appreciate the value of life. I also aim to impact my friends and family positively by educating them on the importance of following safety rules on the road. I hope my efforts reduce the horrifying car crashes statistics.

Works Cited

Chen, Aria Hangyu. “US has highest car crash death rate despite progress, CDC says.” 7 July 2016. CNN. edition.cnn.com/2016/07/07/health/us-highest-crash-death-rate/index. 28 July 2017.

Desantis, Rachel. “These Stars have been involved in fatal crashes.” 29 June 2017. New York Daily News Entertainment. www.nydailynews.com/entainment/stars-involved-fatal-crashes-article-1.3289455. 28 July 2017.

NHTSA. “Teen Driver Crashes.” NHTSA (2008): 1-16. www.nhtsa.gov.