How SADD saved me and my family
Olivia shares with us about how being involved with SADD has impacted her life, and her Dad’s!
I've always wanted to write a piece for SADD so this opportunity to express how the organisation and being part of it as a Year 13 National Leader has evidently helped my family and I grow as individuals, is great.
Growing up, I've always aimed to be safe when on the road. Whether that be biking, or sitting in someone else's car. I hated the idea of putting myself or others in jeopardy. That was me before SADD; and since being involved I've only continued to educate myself, and be rightfully aware of the road rules. Knowing the impacts, and the consequences of unsafe speeds, and other elements. Getting into SADD, I learned from drivers and other passionate students why contributing to making New Zealand a country of safe drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians was the most important thing. For that, I'm proud of myself. SADD saved me from possibly making stupid decisions, and allowed me to help others and spread awareness.
But, as I indicated in the beginning of this SADD has also had a massive impact on my family. My dad is a man who sometimes doesn't always follow the rules. He's promised to never drink while driving and now, doesn't even chug down a non-alcoholic lager while behind the wheel. From me being aware of the dangers of distraction, I helped him be aware too. He knows how passionate I am about SADD and so has made life changes to put me at ease, and to do the right thing. I'm proud of him for that.
All in all, SADD has been generous in contributing to my understanding of the road and what can happen. I have faith in myself that I will always aim to do the best thing. This helped me help my family come to the same understanding. It's true that an effect on you, can be an effect on someone else.
This time, it was positive.
Now is the perfect opportunity to let us know if you have any ideas for the blog that you would like to contribute! Maybe it’s how you’re staying connected during this lockdown, or perhaps it is how being involved with SADD has impacted your life. Email our team any ideas you have!