Would you want this to happen to your family? Would you do this to someone else's family? If you answer "no" to either of these questions, then you should think before you pick up your phone just to send one "quick" text message, or to engage in other distracting activities while driving.

Because of one careless and inconsiderate effort, someone could get into an accident, become injured, or have a life taken. If everyone just played his or her part, and tried to limit the distractions while driving, then I believe the numbers in all of those areas would go down tremendously. The ways you can help include planning ahead, thinking about where you are going, and making sure you know how to get there before you leave. Other ways are to turn off all electronics so you do not get distracted even the slightest bit, and prepare passengers for the ride, making sure they do not need anything.

You should secure all loose items that might distract you when you are driving. The more educated you become, the more you should try to educate your friends about the problems of today.

Emily Caruso is an eighth-grader at Chancellor Middle School.