It Won't Happen To Me
(Please check out the stories of these 2 teenagers, following my article. ) Teenage Drivers. I have three.
I do not like this booklet, entitled "It Won't Happen To Me". I keep it stacked away, under a pile of magazines, in the corner of my office. Today I came across it again. It was compiled by an officer of the Gwinnett County Police. The teenagers of a local high school asked if he would do something to help with the rash of teenage drivers who are dying because of auto accidents. He made this compilation of accident victims. It is not a dry tome. It shows pictures, quotations, and statements by loved ones. As I look through the pages, I cry once again. What a way to start a day.
These young people thought they had the world before them. They were attractive, loved, ambitious, and good kids. Everyone of them did something stupid in a car, and now they are dead.
I think about my daughter. So smart. She rolls her eyes whenever I tell her she is driving too fast. I think about my son. He wants to be a Navy Seal and then a law enforcement officer. He wants to argue with me when I tell him he is too close to the car up ahead. And my middle daughter, sometimes I offer her guidance with driving. She does not like it, either. I'd love to be buddies with my kids. I hug them when they will let me. But I am most interested in being their parent, right now.
Did you know that auto accidents are the number one cause of death for young people, ages 16 to 26, in the county in which I live? I selected the particular vignettes that follow because they remind me of my children. And perhaps you of your children. These are good looking kids. Sharp. They intended to make a difference in their world. And now their parents and friends have broken hearts. Insist that your teens learn and practice safe driving. And, pray everytime they go out on the road. Pray a lot.
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02.06.06 (2:26 pm) [
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posted by:
almsthvn (
reply)
post date:
02.06.06 (9:50 am)
I lost a good friend a couple weeks before he was starting his senior year of high school - drag racing and wrapped his corvette around a concrete post. I also have a cousin who was a widow at age 18 because her husband - who didn't drink and was designated driver - was struck by a drunk driver and killed.
Add that plus the auto accident we had in September that laid me up for 3 months (but could have EASILY been far worse) - yes. a blink of an eye. that's all it takes. a blink.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
02.06.06 (11:07 am)
Absolutely the scariest part of being a parent for me. I'm glad that part is over. They've both grown up, at least with regard to their driving habits, though not before two cars were totaled.
posted by:
CherryBlossmGrl (
reply)
post date:
02.06.06 (11:15 am)
That is partially why I waited until I was 20 to get my license (just got it a few months ago). knew I wasn't ready mentally, and I honestly wasn't a very good driver. I got made fun of for waiting, but I wanted to be sure I was ready. In my area, rural Ohio, almost all the roads from town to town are state routes, with speed limits of 45+. On another note, one of my high school friends was killed 2 Memorial Days ago by an elderly woman who ran a stop sign. :'(
posted by:
preceptlady (
reply)
post date:
02.06.06 (5:40 pm)
Keeps me on my knees for my children. Good post.
posted by:
bacardibreezer (
reply)
post date:
02.06.06 (7:03 pm)
The problem is this: they have to make a mistake first to really understand the seriousness of it, and sometimes that mistake is death...I used to drive kinda crazy but I quit, I always go the speed limits and I don't do stupid crap. Normal driving is just as fun (especially when you have a stick)...it just takes time for them to grow up.
posted by:
goins007 (
reply)
post date:
02.07.06 (9:02 am)
I lost a friend right after HS graduation because a 16 year old was blabbing on her Cell phone and her after blowing thru a stop sign at 65. Damn teens.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.07.06 (12:25 pm)
Reply to: almsthvn
Just riding in a car is a dangerous proposition. Even the most cautious driver may be hit by someone else. You just never know. I never drive without saying a prayer for God's protection. When you think about it, a 3000 pound mass of metal hurtling across the ground at over 60mph is lethal, especially when you are encased within it.
I am sorry for your loss, and I am glad you have recovered from your injury. Drive carefully.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.07.06 (12:26 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
Two cars were totaled? That's not necessarily a sign of a bad driver. Just parcel to being on the road at the wrong time, in the wrong place. I've had a few accidents myself, and except for the grace of God...
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.07.06 (12:29 pm)
Reply to: CherryBlossmGrl
Elderly woman who ran a stop sign. I am a cautious driver. Yet, about a week ago, I was in an unfamiliar place and confused at the moment when I ran a stop sign. Fortunately no cars were in the way. It can happen, in an instant.
You are very wise to know your limitations, and be willing to delay important matters until you can handle them. I wish we were all as mature as yourself. Hats off to you!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.07.06 (12:30 pm)
Reply to: preceptlady
I believe our the lives of our children literally depend upon the prayers of parents.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.07.06 (12:32 pm)
Reply to: bacardibreezer
You know, I've always enjoyed a stick shift. We bought a new car last November, and chose a stick shift for that reason. It is fun.
What a terrible way to learn a lesson. Why is it so much a part of human nature to only listen and learn after the mistake, not before?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.07.06 (12:33 pm)
Reply to: goins007
I support legislation for banning the use of cell phones by drivers, except for hands free phones. It makes sense. Our state legislatures should get to work on this one, pronto.
posted by:
babe4Jesus55 (
reply)
post date:
02.07.06 (3:01 pm)
I must say I scare myself sometimes. I know I'm not the best driver in the world, but I am one of the more cautious. I probably annoy so many people! I literally thank God that the only accidents I've had have been pulling out of parking spaces and bumping the car behind me, and both times the cars belonged to good friends of mine, so they let me slide with a scratch and a dent. 0:-)
