It’s Not Hard to Drive… It’s Hard to Drive Well

Driving is one of the greatest privileges we have. It grants us convenience, privacy, and mobility. It has revolutionized our society and the way we approach travel. With this revolutionary freedom comes responsibility. While learning to drive when you turn 16 may be considered a rite of passage, driving should be approached thoughtfully and considered a privilege, not a right.

In America, we have safe driving programs, like Drivers Ed, that we require for high school-aged kids, but not for those over eighteen. This standard has allowed many people who can drive well enough to pass the driving test behind the wheel without understanding all the risks and rules associated with driving. Often they don’t learn the importance of focusing and the dangers of distracted driving; this fact correlates the higher number of accidents that younger people are in.

The hardest part of driving isn’t the physical act; the mental aspect of safe driving is often the most taxing, and understanding this is one of the most proactive steps to take in safe driving.

A driver must be vigilant of hazards in and out of the car. One of the biggest hazards today is the epidemic of phones in cars. I often find myself tempted to look at my phone when stopped at a light. Looking at it, while seemingly harmless; can lead to an accident caused by distracted driving. It can quickly escalate from only checking my phone at red lights to wanting to stay engaged in the conversation, eventually leading to texting while driving. There is no shortage of dangers on the road that demand our full attention. The consequences could be deadly if I am distracted by a funny text my friend sent. Distractions were present in 13% of all reported motor crashes; that number is astoundingly high, considering driving distraction-free can be a simple choice. To prevent myself from getting distracted on the road, I will put my phone out of arm’s reach and silence notifications while driving. Keeping distractions out of arm’s reach and out of sight lets me focus entirely on the road.

According to a study, “In the United States, over 3,100 people were killed and about 424,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2019” (Distracted Driving). The mere fact that these deaths are preventable is atrocious. Along with increasing awareness, the government can implement laws that criminalize unsafe behaviors to decrease fatalities on the road. The CDC reports that 25% of fatal crashes that involved young adults (20-29 years old) were a result of distracted driving. In another study, 39% of surveyed high school students admitted texting or emailing while driving for over 30 days. 24 states have laws prohibiting handheld cell phones while vehicles are in motion. While these laws aren’t always adhered to they are in place, and the fact that they are is a step in the right direction.

While phones in cars cause highly preventable accidents, speeding is the number one cause of fatal accidents. There are too many times when everyone seems to be in a rush, and when people drive erratically, there can be deadly consequences. Speeding around a curve, misunderstood assumptions about another driver’s actions, and inability to compensate due to speed are all things drivers do when they’re speeding that result in accidents. Traffic and other hazards on the road make me feel that drivers speed up to make up for lost time, but unexpected hazards are an inevitable part of driving. While speeding may allow you to reach your destination faster, it’s dangerous and leads to unimaginable disasters. To avoid being annoyed with the inevitable, I can leave earlier to prevent stress and speeding due to running late; I will go against unsafe habits by practicing better time management.

Increasing public awareness is essential in reducing the problems we face on the road, as awareness is the most prominent way to minimize hazards. Most people are blissfully unaware that their habits can cause accidents. Initiatives meant to bring awareness to unsafe habits have results; because of all the commercials on TV condemning drinking and driving, my generation has seen a significant decrease in fatal accidents involving alcohol. According to Traffic Safety Marketing, the largest demographic of drunk drivers is white men, and they “had a significant increase in awareness for males 21-35, rising from 52% to 60%” (Traffic Safety Marketing). A Seat Belt Usage Campaign reports that seat belt legislation and enforcement have reduced fatality rates among car occupants by 30% to 50%. These campaigns work. When we take action against unsafe habits, there are positive results. Letting people know of their dangerous behavior is statistically proven to make a change. If more unsafe habits were advertised and seen as taboo, we would see a decrease in them.

I was in a minor accident in 2017, but I was unscathed. Given that I was 10, I’m not too sure what happened. Around that same time, my dad got a DUI, and his license was suspended; because I was so young, my parents believed I was too young for the truth and the severity of his infraction. As an adult, I’m wary of drinking because I’ve seen the effect alcohol has had on him. I don’t want to follow in his footsteps, so I have vowed never to drink. I’m usually the designated driver when my friends go out, and I take pride in ensuring everyone gets home safely.

While driving has brought freedom and convenience, it also comes with incredible risks. By being more aware of the dangers of driving and supporting policies and initiatives to curb unsafe behaviors, we can make roads safer for everyone. Through being more mindful and advocating for change, we can ensure that our streets are safer for everybody. To combat driving deaths, I vow to remain educated and encourage others to do the same.