Distracted Driving and Its Consequences

Being properly educated and regularly participating in responsible driving practices is a crucial topic in the discussion of safe driving. If one should follow improper driving techniques, there are often serious (if not fatal) consequences. There are many ways to reduce the possibility of injuries and casualties, and most of them include a better driving education or just being responsible when behind the wheel. Even if further driving education is out of the question, there are always ways that an individual can better their driving abilities. This can be done through either online courses, or by breaking bad habits that some drivers may have issues with.

Most would assume that the number one cause of vehicular accidents would be drunk driving or even speeding, but the number one cause of car accidents is actually distracted driving. This category sounds very vague, but many distractions end up falling under this category. Anything that would cause an individual to take their eyes off of the road would be considered a distraction. This could be a cell phone, the radio, food, picking up items or trash, talking to passengers, and so much more. To prevent actions like these further education would be useful, but really this issue lies in the hands of the driver. Being educated on the statistics of distracted driving would be beneficial in preventing unnecessary distractions, but ultimately this decision relies heavily (and almost exclusively) on the driver. Other major causes of vehicular collisions would be speeding, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and rain. This list is by no means a comprehensive list of all causes of crashes, merely some of the largest causes.

Many, if not all of these causes, could be mitigated with the introduction of statistics. Being presented with the statistics and fatality rates for these distractions could be eye-opening for many people. Many of the reasons that don’t include driver ignorance can be solved with further driving education. Assuming that the reckless driving is not emotionally charged (i.e. road rage), this could be resolved with a better driving education. This also applies for casualties that are linked to rain, as drivers education courses do (or should) cover how to handle driving in the rain and hydroplaning. In many cases, being further educated on the techniques, statistics, and precautions involved with driving will by extension reduce the amount of driving related deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thirty-eight percent of teenage drivers did not take a driver’s education course before getting their driver’s license. In addition to this, many Americans believe that driver’s education is not what it used to be.

These statistics could play a major role in the amount of deaths caused by motor accidents. Poor driver’s education, if any education, would definitely contribute to the ignorance shown by drivers who are unaware of the severity of their irresponsible actions. In the case of driver’s education not being accessible or affordable to teenagers or adults, this would be an issue that is rooted in the communities they take place in. There are many cases where different kinds of resources are not provided in cities due to them being low-income or yielding a lower socioeconomic status. In these cases, this would be an issue deeper rooted in the government supporting and running the cities or states. These faults cannot rely exclusively on the ability to have access to driver’s education though. The ability to not be distracted on the road should not have to be taught, as it should be considered common knowledge that driving while preoccupied with another activity could present fatal consequences.

Though I have not been in a car accident myself, I have been in the vehicle with individuals who were driving irresponsibly. Speaking generally, the people who I frequently travel with are usually amazing drivers. Though sometimes I will catch my girlfriend or my parents going a little over the speed limit or forgetting to turn a blinker on occasionally, I cannot say that they drive irresponsibly. Usually any form of distractions would be designated to the passenger. This would include activities such as changing songs, checking texts, and controlling the GPS. I feel that I am a responsible driver as well, as I have taken driver’s education and passed with an almost perfect grade.

There are many behaviors that contribute to the amount of casualties in motor related accidents. These behaviors can be minimized or eliminated entirely with further education and practice. Having individuals who act as positive role models when it comes to vehicle and motor safety would definitely help as well. There are many motor related deaths a year, but hopefully with the combined efforts of our local governments and communities this number can be lowered.