Blood is always thought of as a nasty thing. It is used to scare the audience in a scary movie, it is used to play pranks on others, and when some people see it they pass out just at the sight. Blood is the reason some people do not eat ketchup.

But even if you do have hemophobia, or fear of blood — blood is what gives us life. It pulses through our veins and pumps through our heart, something we take for granted until someone we know has little blood left.

This summer millions will take to the highways and interstates — the veins of our transportation system. And as the cars continue to flow in mass amounts to go and enjoy fireworks on the beach or a fun family weekend, more accidents will occur on the road than any other time of the year.

Some of the hundreds that will be injured may not make it, but the ones that do have blood donation organizations such as the Red Cross to thank.

This summer, as you travel remember the next person that could be in a car accident could be you. Never take life for granted, and never take blood for granted. We never notice that it is even inside of us until we see someone bleeding.

Blood might be gross but it is very powerful. You have the power to save a life by donating blood at a local blood drive today. Go to redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive near you. Blood donation centers have a greater need for blood in the summer — do your part and donate.