Yesterday was my first day back to work following Melissa’s death.
It has been a very difficult time for me.
Although my coworkers have been supportive and sympathetic almost every one has a story about a brother or sister, son
or daughter, niece or nephew who has been killed or seriously injured in a car accident.
Part of my job is to help people to prevent accidents and the first thing we teach them is that accidents almost never
happen.
The definition of an accident is; "An event that happens without any planning, apparent cause, or deliberate intent".
If you think about that for a moment you will realize that most car accidents are not accidents at all.
If you are driving too fast – that is not an accident.
If you change lanes without signaling or checking if it is safe – that is not an accident.
If you are texting someone on your cell phone and run a red light – that is not an accident.
If you choose to drive while you are impaired – that is not an accident.
In each case, someone who had control of the situation made a bad decision.
You are coming into the time of your lives when you have more freedom.
Freedom however comes at a price.
The price is the responsibility of making decisions that affect yourself, your friends and your family.
Please think about that responsibility. Remember Melissa,
Thanks for listening.
Landon Melan
