Make the right decision

Be safe or be sorry

Make+the+right+decision

Decisions can be made in a second. You decide in one second that because you’re late, you’re going to speed. You decide in one second that you won’t wear your seatbelt because your ‘friends’ say it’s ‘un-cool.’ You decide in one second that you’ll just pick up the cell phone to tell your friend that you’re going to be late. You decided in one second to look at your phone instead of that semi that is about to pull out in front of you. You decide in one second to finally look up and see the semi that’s pulling out right in front of you. And then your family decides in one second to take you off the ventilator and see you for the last time.

90% of teenagers say that it’s common to see their peers talking on the phone while driving. Although cell phone use while driving doesn’t happen only with teenagers, teenagers are most commonly accused of doing it.

Aidan Seabolt, a sophomore, is 16 and shares what his concerns were before he got his license.

“…Sure, it’s every teenagers dream to get their first car and hit the road, but you see some of these [teenagers] on the road and you wonder if they are even thinking twice before they get behind the wheel. Sometimes it’s not even [teenagers] you have to worry about. It’s adults too. Not every adult is as mature as they should be,” Seabolt said.

Using a cell phone while driving can be one of the most dangerous activities a person does. It can also be the last activity someone does before their life flashes before their eyes.
Not only is it dangerous for the person who is actually being distracted, but everyone around them is at risk too. Think about your family. If you were to get into an accident because of texting and driving and something serious were to happen to you, how would they feel?

The state laws are also at fault here. Of course it is your choice to pick up the cell phone while driving, but Florida does not do enough to prevent you from doing it again. If it is your first offense when caught texting and driving, the state will fine you $30 at maximum. If you’re fined $30 for texting and driving, but you are addicted to your cell phone (like most of us are), will you even think twice about texting while driving next time?

Next time you hit the road and you want to text someone to tell them you’re on your way, pull over or send it before you begin driving. Most kids won’t receive another chance after that last text is sent. Will you?