It’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, and this topic really hits home for me. I find it ironic that it is this week since I’m currently writing a speech on its dangers for my communications class. To learn more about the dangers and ways to prevent it you can visit this link. drowsydriving.org/about/facts-and-stats/ Here is my story: On August 18, 2014 I fell asleep at the wheel. I remember hitting the traffic cones and overcompensating my wheel causing me to spin out in the road. I don’t recall when I rear ended the bridge, but I remember when the car started to roll. Three times it flipped over. I can tell you the exact moment I thought that I would go unconscious and that I was unsure if I would even wake up. There was a moment in my life where I accepted that I was about to die. But I didnt die. I didnt go unconscious. I was hardly even injured. I don’t recall unbuckling, but the massive bruise that stretched from the left side of my neck to the right side of my chest tells me that my seat belt had done its job. I scrambled for a moment to recover only my necessary possessions; my wallet that had my identification and my phone to contact authorities and loved ones. With the car flipped upside down and glass scattering the interior I started to search for a way out of the vehicle. In pure panic I tried to kick one of the windows. Nothing happened. Then rationality hit me and I unlocked the rear driver’s side door which miraculously opened. As soon as I stepped out of the vehicle I screamed. Not in search of rescue, but at the realization of what I had done. The truth of the situation was I could have prevented it. I was starting to feel drowsy as I traveled on US 131 north towards my apartment. I had only been in the car for about 50 minutes, but the monotonous drive had soothing effects on me. Just 10 minutes away from my destination I debated on whether I should stop at an oncoming rest area and get out of the car so I would stay awake. I even had my turn signal on as I approached the exit. At the last second I changed my mind, confident that I was awake enough to make it home. Just a half mile later m car laid on its roof because I doubted my instincts. Please be careful when you drive. Always pull over if you feel drowsy behind the wheel because an accident like mine was completely preventable. Your safety and the safety of others is more important than arriving to your destination 100% of the time.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 16:34:16 +0000
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