By Hannah Daniele, Millbrook High School Student
Illustrated by Riley Loughlin, SUNY New Paltz Student
My hands start to shake and nerves tingle throughout my body. The blaring horn sends vibrations through me, increasing in volume with every millisecond that passes, indicating my loss of time to react. Glaring fluorescent light engulfs my vision, blinding me. I attempt to steer in a different direction; however, I’m too late. My sight is condensed by the oncoming tractor trailer going at least 60 mph—a force so substantial it can shatter every window and destroy the metal that surrounds me with ease. Tractor trailers, they win every time. And all for having to see that one meaningless text message. That 4.6-second glance is not worth it. A glance long enough to ruin your life. Long enough to kill you.
A driver behind the wheel can be a weapon when distractions are constant, and phones buzzing and eyes leaving the road can lead to a deadly situation. Tragic moments like these can happen to anyone, especially new drivers. Cell phone distraction rates are alarmingly high and greatly increase the risk of fatal accidents.
