Personal Narrative: The Science Behind Distracted Driving

We all know that my 16th birthday is coming up. I realize that I have been on my phone an unhealthy amount of time. But that’s when I’m home. I promise you that I will not text and drive. You see how responsible I am in and out of the house. You recognize how cautious I am. As I’ve said before, I’m responsible. I help out around the house. I take care of our little puppy, Ralph. Rain or shine, I still walk Ralph everyday. I even bathe him when necessary and you know how hard it is to bathe Ralph. I still remember the story of when I “lost” Ralph. I mean, yes, it was irresponsible of me to walk him without a leash in the forest, but in the end, I did the responsible thing and searched for him for hours until I found him. I cried when I saw
I know not to take any life-threatening risks. I understand how dangerous texting and driving is. According to Strayer, a researcher who studied distracted driver for 15 years, “a crash risk that is eight times greater than someone giving the road their undivided attention” (Strayer, “The Science behind Distracted Driving”, pg 139). Obviously, no one wants to increase their crash risky why 800%. In another source, Just/Keller said, “deterioration in driving performance that occurs when one is also processing language [such as texting]” (Just/Keller, “How the Brain Reacts”, pg 147). Additionally, I recognize how texting and driving can devastate families. In the film, “From One Second to the Next”, one of the victim’s sibling talks about how terribly the accident affected her family, “It’s heartbreaking to see my sister like this”(Elizabeth, Debbie’s sister, Herzog August 2013). I know that I’m not always responsible or cautious, but I will always be sensible and attentive when it comes to texting and driving. Because you know I would never want to hurt our family or break the hearts of anyone I love and care about, you also know that I would never text and drive. I would never ruin a family’s happiness or cause anyone pain. I would never hurt a family, I promise you this. I am also very careful when it comes to making meaningful decisions. I am mindful of what I spend my money on. I only buy what I need such as school supplies or medicine. As you also know, I am currently saving up for college. As for my health, I am in very healthful shape and I rarely get sick or injuries. I don’t do damaging drugs that negatively affect my health. I also exercise daily so I don’t run out of breath while walking up the stairs. On top of exercising, I eat my recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and never eat too much sugar than advised. Along with health and finances, I am cautious and responsible when it comes to my