By Carter Smith
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| Carter Smith |
I’ve
only been working at the Turnpike for a year now, and in that short period of
time, I’ve already been hit by a driver once and had three other close calls.
In just one year. When I was struck, it
was the first time I was snow plowing by myself. I had finished half a pass of
plowing when a brand-new SUV hit my rear right tire and bumper. The person
behind the wheel was driving well above what they should have been in the
wintry, low visibility conditions, and was definitely not paying attention.
It’s lucky they weren’t hurt, but the SUV was totaled.
Plus,
it’s not just on the Turnpike where I see the consequences of bad decision
while driving. I’ve been a volunteer fire fighter for four years now, and I’ve
had to work my fair share of major crashes, including the fatality ones. I’ve
seen people not wearing their seat belt and ejected from the vehicle. I’ve seen
wrecks with teenagers as a result from drug and/or alcohol impairment. When you
see a wreck that kills a 19-year-old that was clearly from distracted or
impaired driving, it sticks with you. I mean, there were no skid marks that
even suggested she tried braking.
Those
really hit home since I have a 17-year-old sister. One of my first thoughts
during those types of wrecks is, “What if it had been her?”
It
feels really good to help other people. I like to think it makes a difference.
But ultimately, people have become so distracted on the road, or make a stupid
decision to drink and drive or not wear a seat belt. It’s simple actions we can
do to avoid a potentially tragic situation, so please, drive smart.
Carter Smith is an
Equipment Operator for the Kansas Turnpike Authority and also a volunteer fire
fighter.
