Therefore, the devastating consequences are noticeable long
after and beyond the emergency room. I started to take notice that almost every
case had mention of a “if only.” If only they had worn their seat belt, If only
they were paying attention, if only they were not texting, and the list goes
on.
In 2010, I started my current
position in emergency services, and the “if only” was present even more. While
working on scene of motor vehicle accidents, I started taking notice to traffic
passing by the scene and how distracted some were. I started thinking if only
they knew their actions are the very same that led to this accident they are
driving around.
Hearing the “if only,” witnessing a
survivor’s long recovery, or the notification of a fatal accident to the victim’s
loved ones, all lead us to a reality check into our own driving habits and
safety. Today with every click of the seat belt is a memory of if only they
had, every time the phone rings while driving is a thought of if only they had
not answered. Put the brakes on fatalities and don’t allow the “if only” to prevent
you from arriving at your destination safely.
Ryan Murray is
the Director of Cheyenne County Emergency Services and the Kansas County
Emergency Manager for Cheyenne, Rawlins and Sherman counties
Thank you for this important reminder. We all think "it won't happen to me." Your firsthand experience allows you to know otherwise. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDriving requires 100 percent of your time and attention and everytime you get behind the wheel, you must accept that responsibility. Don't put yourself in the "if only" category, follow the rules of the road, buckle up, every trip, every time and do your part to "Put the Brakes on Fatalities."
ReplyDeleteThat 'if only' phrase can haunt you. I've heard it a few times from friends and family in years' past who were dealing with a devastating loss. It's such a difficult thing to process.
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