Learning to drive is a huge milestone in many people's lives, it means freedom and the ability to travel to any location desired. Along with all the fun and freedom comes responsability. As we do things we tend to start taking them for granted, or getting over-confident with our abilities.   Wearing your seatbelt is a big part in driving, possibly the biggest part. The neglect to use one of the greatest safety features of our time has had a personal impact on me.

A few years ago on a hot summer night, my friends Kurt, Kevin, Justice and I were driving around goofing off as always. We were headed to our usual spot, a dirt clearing on the edge of a steep incline on the side of the mountain called Hooper Hill. We came here often, at night there was a great view of our valley. We arrived at our destination just in time to park the jeep and run to the edge of the embankment and watch the sun set over the hills.
          

After awhile the view became dull and we decided it was time to leave. Kurt and Kevin walked over to retrieve the jeep that was parked a few yards away. The engine sputtered to a start, “watch this!” kevin yelled out the window. We heard the engine rev and saw the tires of the jeep start to spin out. Kurt began to do doughnuts in the dirt causing a large dust cloud. Suddenly through the cloud we saw the tail lights disappear, followed by the loud crashing sounds of metal. Justice and I ran to the edge and to our dismay we saw the mangled jeep laying upside down 50 feet below. We screamed in horror and shock. Unsure of what to do, we called 911 and told them what had happened.
         

The fire truck and ambulance arrived a short while later. “It doesn't look good”, a firemen said to his partner. They got to the jeep and discovered Kurt, severely injured, but miraculously still alive. The paramedics swiftly got him on a stretcher and loaded him into the ambulance racing off lights blazing. “Wheres Kevin?!” Justice exclaimed.“There was only one passenger in the vehicle” the fireman said questioningly. “There were two!” we yelled back. The firemen began urgently searching the area and found Kevin, laying lifeless on the ground.
        

Kevin hadn't put his seatbelt on that night, and it cost him his life. Kurt however, had worn his seatbelt and is alive and well. This had a severe impact on myself and the whole community. Everyone knew and loved Kevin. The world lost a great person that night, and we lose many great people everyday due to people not wearing their seatbelts. moving vehicle Please remember to buckle up anytime you're in a . At any moment tragedy can strike, and wearing your seatbelt could save your life.