Knowing that each of us is only here for a short time, the experiences that grab our attention can sometimes leave us asking why today?
Why is it that you see something that you have never seen before?
No guardrails are something that creates a specific emotion in my heart anytime I see an accident occur that seems as if it could have been prevented.
For those diehard individuals who ride motorcycles, we know these riders don’t have the protection of someone riding in a car.
There were likely several motorcycle rallies this past weekend across the U.S. during the 4th of July weekend.
I’m also familiar with the sounds of fireworks that occur all weekend, with some taking off the guardrails as it relates to safety.
I’m sure we all can recall the various safety briefings that were given to us, and yet those that I have given or received seem many times have yet it always falls on deaf ears.
Safety in the military has always been a priority, yet after each major holiday, tragedy continues to strike. We know that regardless of what we tell people, individuals will choose to live life on the edge and risk it all without any guardrails to protect them.
Safety statistics of the military versus our civilian counterparts are deemed better for those who track mishaps on and off duty.
I’m sure, looking back, we all have taken off the guardrails at some point, doing risky things.
It was even more relevant this weekend as I drove past one individual moving his lawn barefoot and pulling the lawnmower towards his feet.
While another was cutting his grass as traffic was approaching without any regard for his safety.
Although you won’t find it in the Bible, “God watches out for fools and little children,” we know someone has been watching out for us.
Each time I see or witness guardrails on the interstate that have been badly damaged or mangled beyond recognition, I know that an accident of some magnitude is the reason why.
How a guardrail saved a life.
According to the US Department of Transportation, 30-40% of fatal crashes occur when vehicles run off the road.
How Crash Barriers Are Saving Lives
Last month, while on the highway, I was able to see the impact of no guardrails with a motorcycle in the center of the highway as medical personnel and police secured the scene from further accidents.
My first thought was that I prayed for the people involved in the accident and that no life was lost. You can never tell without rubbernecking and making sure that you don’t cause an accident.
This past weekend, many Americans celebrated the 4th of July with several people taking off their safety guardrails.
I know this to be true just by listening to all the fireworks that went on for hours in my neighborhood starting around 6 PM and ending at 1 AM.
As my dog looked at me with wonder in disbelief when it would all stop, I thought about the guardrails in place for safety and noise.
Our ears require earplugs at times, yet we don’t use them.
Finally, the last guardrail that was probably overlooked this weekend was our eating and drinking.
We know that our stomachs will tell us when we overeat or eat things we were not supposed to eat, when we get an upset stomach, or drink too much.
We also know that some medicines we take require us to take them with food, and I have learned that lesson.
For many, the 4th of July was a reason for many to take off our guardrails and enjoy the festivities.
During my time in the military, I can recall vivid memories of me telling my Soldiers to relax during their time off, but not to a point of losing self-control. I have taken those words to heart myself.
Every life is important, and when we returned to work, we wanted everyone to be accounted for and refreshed.
As you return to work or have some sense of normality on this first day of the week, I trust that you have been able to relax during your time off, but not to the point of losing self-control.
I’ll leave you with two quotes about guardrails.
“Creeds are not straitjackets, but guardrails that keep us safe.” ~ Stephen Nichols
“The president and the executive branch are always going to have greater latitude and greater authority when it comes to protecting America because sometimes you just have to respond quickly, and not everything that is a danger can be publicized and be subject to open debate, but there have to be some guardrails.” ~ Barack Obama
Today, I challenge you to think about what guardrails you took off this past weekend over the 4th of July weekend that may not be an option the next time a holiday happens.
Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/no-guardrails/
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