To All Reckless Drivers,

Sure, reckless driving is punishable by law. Reckless driving is usually a more serious offense than careless driving and improper driving. It is often punishable by fines, imprisonment, or driver's license suspension or revocation. But, this does not seem to stop you. You drive up and down the roads like it is a NASCAR race. But, did you ever stop and think about who you could potentially be hurting? Did you ever stop and think, wow I could seriously hurt or even kill someone, or even myself, by driving like this? If not, it is time you’ve begun.

Reckless driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. Reckless driving includes, but is not limited to, speeding, drinking and driving, driving under the influence of drugs and running red lights and stop signs. At just the age of 18, reckless driving has impacted me now more than ever.

When you graduate high school, your life is supposed to begin, not end. Sadly this was not the case for one of my friends, Tyler Sellers. Tyler was crossing Route 440 in Bayonne, New Jersey when he and a friend were struck and killed by a car going over one hundred miles per hour. Since the driver was going at such a reckless speed he did not have time to stop, and Tyler and his friend did not have time to escape their untimely demise.

This left a community in shock. No one ever would have thought that the fun-loving, intelligent guy that we had just graduated with would be killed a few months later. Especially not by a reckless driver. Tyler left behind countless family members and friends who still have not been able to cope with his death. Yes, speeding might get you from point A to point B faster, but it it can also end a life sooner too.

This was also true for a 5-year-old little girl and her father on February 22, 2016. Bridget and Tim O’Donnell were on their way home from a long day at school and work, when their car was hit by another. Tim was slowing down his car at a toll booth, when a driver rear-ended him with such force that it propelled his car through the toll booth and into oncoming traffic. This killed both five-year-old Bridget and her loving father and teacher, Tim.

It was later found out that the man who rear-ended the two was previously seen weaving in and out of traffic and even side swiping a road barrier. This man was found to be on ten Adderall and had not slept for twenty-six hours before driving. This man was clearly driving recklessly, and under the influence of drugs. The news of Bridget and Tim’s death left a community in tears. No one was prepared for the death of such an amazing man. No one was prepared for the death of such a sweet, incredible, beautiful little girl either. These two lovely people left behind an incredibly strong mother/spouse and an amazing big sister/daughter. But, no matter how strong a person is, no one should ever have to bury their child.

Since this fatal accident on February 22, there have been seven lives lost due to reckless driving in Northern New Jersey alone. If you see a reckless driver on the roads, please have a passenger dial #77 to have the police try and help stop this person from driving this way.

Next time you plan on speeding, drinking and driving, or driving under the influence of drugs, think about whose lives you could possibly end up affecting. Think about all the innocent lives at stake, including yours.

This article is in memory of all the lives lost to reckless driving, but especially that of Tyler Sellers, Tim O’Donnell and Bridget O’Donnell. You all will forever be in my heart.