Slow Down! Other People Make Mistakes. Speed ad New Zealand. (via Publikuvaicom)

The left arrow turned green. After taking a quick look around, the driver started out on a protected left turn. I was sitting in the middle passenger seat on the left. The turn was almost complete, when I looked to the right, and saw something was not correct. A van was barreling directly at us. The collision happened. The bang. The jolt. The terrible sound of metal crunching. In a matter of seconds, we were sent on a collision course with some other cars. If not for the quick reaction of the driver, we would of collided a second time. Our van came to a resting point. This was the day (2013)Texas Tech was going to play Oklahoma. The van that hit us had run the red light. Everyone was alright, just sore and startled.

What is the point of this story? Obey the traffic lights and speed limits. They are there for a reason. Having been involved in multiple traffic accidents over the past year (none of them were our fault) that could have been simply avoided by just taking a look around, or stopping at a red light.

1. Do not run red lights

Even though it might be tempting, although I have no idea why anyone would want to endanger their lives or someone else's, the light is there for a reason. If it is red, you stop. Come on people!

2. Always look around/check intersections/be aware of surroundings

While you might be used to driving in rain, snow, or ice, other people aren't. While you might obey the laws, other people don't. While you might be following the speed limit, others aren't. Just keep in mind, other humans make mistakes just like you and me. Give yourself ample space to slow down, don't pull out in front of someone when you have to floor the pedal just to beat them.

3. I'm not getting on to any of the great people here on VTM. I am just a little fed up with other people not paying attention or obeying the rules. Please pay attention, obey the law, and most importantly, drive carefully and stay safe.

Watch the video.