Just over a month ago, my good friend was killed in an automobile accident. She would still be here today if she had been wearing her seat belt.
Megan always wore her seat belt, and we don't know why she didn't that particular morning. Perhaps, she only took it off for a second to reach for something, or perhaps it was an oversight in her rush to see her newborn niece. Either way, that split second made all of the difference.
According to Car-Accidents.com, "there were nearly 6,420,000 auto accidents in the United States in 2005. The financial cost of these crashes is more than 230 billion dollars. 2.9 million people were injured and 42,636 people killed. About 115 people die every day in vehicle crashes in the United States -- one death every 13 minutes."
Most of us drive and many of us don't think about these statistics when we get into our cars to run the simplest of errands. But as a grieving friend, I beg of you, please do.
It was a tragedy; a very young and bright life lost. As I watched the family trying to make sense of it, and sometimes blaming themselves, it seemed that "if only," came at the beginning of almost every sentence.
Well, "if only" one good thing is the result, than I hope it is that maybe you will remember to wear your seat belt, so that your families and friends never have to ask the same questions.
"Sixty-three percent of people killed in accidents are not wearing seat belts." That is a startling statistic.
I understand that seat belts can be uncomfortable and may even affect your "pimp" lean, but the alternative is far worse. "If 90 percent of Americans buckle up, we will prevent more than 5,500 deaths and 132,000 injuries annually," reports the web site.
In addition, Ohio law states that front seat passengers must wear a seat belt or they will be penalized with a fine. So if the statistics don't scare you, perhaps the threat to your pocketbook will.
I admit, I did not always wear mine. In retrospect, I feel quite stupid for not doing so. The thought of my family, friends and fiancée having to mourn the end of my short life is a thought more devastating than I am willing to bear.
However, knowing what I know now, I have worn mine every day since. I hope you never have to experience this sort of tragedy. I have chosen to use my voice and this outlet so that I may reach you and share my experience. Please, remember my friend Megan and take the two seconds to fasten your seatbelt. It will make a world of difference to those whom you love.
There were nearly 6,420,000 auto accidents in 2005
About 115 people die every day in vehicle crashes in the United States; one death every 13 minutes
? If 90 percent of American's buckled up, more than 5,500 deaths would be prevented annuallyInformation compiled by Alexa Libert Source: Car-Accidents.com
Alexa Libert is a junior Journalism major and Opinion Editor for the t&c;
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