Dear Fellow Driver,
As we navigate our daily lives, most of us spend countless hours behind the wheel, making our way from one place to another. Whether it’s to drive to work, school, the grocery store, or a weekend getaway, we all share the same roads, the same spaces, and often, the same risks. But today, I want to take a moment to talk to you, not just as a fellow driver, but as someone who had their life completely change in a matter of seconds caused by a distracted driver and how important road safety is for all of us.
We often forget that the vehicle we sit in or sit on top of isn’t just a tool to get from point A to point B—it’s a responsibility. It’s not just our lives that are in our hands, but the lives of everyone around us: other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers. With each mile we drive, we hold the power to protect, or sadly, to harm.
Road Safety is About Respect
The reality is that road safety isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about respect. Respect for the road, respect for others, and, most importantly, respect for ourselves. I’m sure we’ve all been guilty of letting our guard down at some point. Maybe it’s speeding a bit because we’re late, texting when we know we shouldn’t, or failing to signal a lane change because it’s “just easier.” We’ve all done it, and we all know deep down that it’s wrong. But it’s time we hold ourselves accountable not just for our own safety, but for the safety of those around us.
I ask you to think about the consequences of your actions on the road as a driver. What if that moment you decided to text while driving caused you to rear end someone at a high rate of speed which led to a serious crash causing critical injuries? What if that last-second lane change you made without checking your mirrors caused someone else to swerve in order to avoid hitting you? These moments can happen in the blink of an eye but the impact they have can last a lifetime both for yourself and for others.
Let’s Do Better as Drivers
I also want to remind every driver that the road is a shared space. Every driver you encounter has their own story, their own reason for being out there. They might be rushing to an emergency, picking up their child from school, or just trying to get home after a long day. When we’re on the road, we need to understand that we’re not in competition with anyone. We’re not racing to be the first at the stoplight or the fastest through the intersection. We’re all trying to get where we need to go safely.
In this world of distractions and hectic schedules, it’s easy to lose sight of the simple truths of driving: stay alert, stay patient, and stay kind. When you’re behind the wheel, your emotions can cloud your judgment. Don’t allow yourself to be consumed by frustration or anger behind the wheel. Staying calm is key to keeping the roads safe for everyone. And always, always, buckle up. It’s the simplest thing you can do to protect yourself.
So, my fellow drivers, let’s do better. Let’s make a commitment to drive with purpose, awareness, and respect for those we share the road with. Let’s stay alert to the conditions around us, be mindful of our speed, put away distractions and never drive under the influence. And let’s do it not just for ourselves, but for every person we pass, for every life we might impact.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Driving safely can have a big impact. By taking our pledge and encouraging others to do the same, you are contributing to a safer community. Your pledge to drive safely is a crucial step in preventing crashes and protecting lives. Each person who commits to safe driving contributes to a larger effort to make our roads safer for everyone. Take our pledge today: https://crashsupportnetwork.com/pledge/
It’s time for us to step up. To make the road a safer place, not just for us but for everyone. Road safety is important – trust me, you don’t want to be injured in a motor vehicle crash. The recovery process from injuries is a long journey, it can be painful, financially draining and full of numerous challenges. It’s so much easier to prevent a motor vehicle crash than to deal with the aftermath.
Let’s work together to create safer roads and a brighter future for all. Together, we can prevent crashes and save lives.
Sincerely,
A Fellow Driver Who Cares
S. Dawne McKay is a survivor of a horrific crash that changed her life forever. Dawne shares her personal journey as a Crash Survivor Blogger and also collaborates with crash survivors as Guest Bloggers allowing them an opportunity to share their stories. Dawne is also the author of the book, “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery” which is available for purchase on Amazon.
The Crash Support Network is a unique one-of-a-kind website consisting of an online support group, a crash survivor blog, a quarterly newsletter, “Sharing Our Recovery” as well as highly informative articles. Our website is based on relationship-building and puts the needs of survivors first by creating a helpful resource for victims and survivors of motor vehicle crashes
