Crashes are not accidents. Pay Attention.
There is a new sign on the highways of New Jersey, one of the best, most accurate, and culture altering messages I have ever seen. The good news is that it is more empowering in a subliminal way than the basic driver knows.
There is a move across the country to stop calling car accidents “accidents” because the accident implies that it was beyond the control of the drivers involved. This shift in language and attention inches our society toward taking responsibility for our lives. As I was driving on the highway the other day, I noticed this new language and wanted to get out of the car and celebrate on the side of the road, but I didn’t want to cause an accident by calling the attention of a crazy lady on the side of the road. (smirk)
Inviting individuals to take responsibility for their lives is my top priority when in a classroom setting. Learning to take responsibility for our lives is key to creating the life we want. How can we create the good if we can’t take responsibility for all that happens?
Maybe I am a bit too critical of the law makers in our country because all evidence tells me that they are not necessarily conscious. But this sign, this attitude, this shift in perspective is a powerful one. They are so right. Saying “I was in an accident,” which is so common, is incredibly disempowering. Saying “I crashed my car,” calls one to responsibility. WOW!
Right now, begin to imagine a world where we all take responsibility for all that happens? This shift in perspective would impact everything in our lives. Imagine a world in which we do not blame another. Imagine a world where we take responsibility and apologize where appropriate and make amends where appropriate. Imagine a world without all the litigation.
This sign on the highway should cause drivers to pause and think to themselves, not only am I responsible for what happens behind the wheel of my car but if something should happen, I cannot shrug it off to the unknown. Yes, we will all have to face our blindness, our aggressiveness, and our ridiculous choices to look at our phones, text while we are driving, and basically not pay attention. The good news is this new way of thinking will condition us to say I am responsible for my world. What a powerful new way to be.
