Throughout my eighteen years of life, my parents have told me on numerous occasions to be cautious when driving. They also told me to be alert when I am a passenger in a car. As a typical teenager, I thought that I was invincible and nothing could ever happen to me. On June 2, 2004 my invincibility expired.

It was a hot, humid day with severe weather predicted for the afternoon. My last class for the day ended at 1:15 pm. My plans were already set for the rest of the afternoon. The first thing on my agenda was to change into a more comfortable pair of shorts and a shirt. Next, I would drive to my friend John's house who had just gotten out of school. He was waiting for my arrival. We had been friends since we were little children and shared many of the same characteristics. As I...