Name: Darrianna L. Harber
From: Atlanta , Georgia
Votes: 2191
Distracted Driving: Intro to Deadly Statistics
The leading cause of vehicle accidents in the United States is distracted driving, About three thousand individuals lose their lives to distracted driving every year in the United States alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Distracted driving is
‘Anything that takes your attention away from driving’
The most common distractions when driving are electronics, looking at events outside of the vehicle, applying cosmetics, and eating. Around 77% of Americans get into car accidents at least once in their lifetime and 1 in 366 are affected by car accidents. According to the CDC, the most common vehicle accidents are from younger individuals (16-19) This is because they are more interested in reckless driving and/or speeding. Many high school and middle school kids aren’t aware of these statistics because it is not something taught in commonly grade school, a large percentage of high school kids do not own cars, and the ones that do need to be better educated on how to operate them properly as well as the responsibilities possessing a vehicle has.
Distracted Driving: Deadly Statistics, Drunk Driving Precaution & Prevention
Unfortunately, Distracted driving isn’t the only cause of vehicle accidents, Driving under the Influence, or ‘Drunk driving’ more commonly known is extremely common as well. The first drunk driving incident recorded in the U.S. occurred in 1897 and has sadly become a growing problem to this day. On September 10th, 1910 driving under the influence was made illegal, New York was the first state to pass the new law. A vast majority of reported drunk driving cases are from younger individuals and ironically drunk driving is frequent among the younger population of drivers. According to an article,
[…] people who drink and drive do it for an “Adrenaline rush’
The article goes on to explain why—-
‘They assume there will be no consequences if they drive intoxicated. For some offenders,
Engaging in illegal and dangerous activity is a thrilling experience.’
According to reports, ‘1 person is killed every 52 Minutes by drunk driving.’
‘A driver is considered legally impaired when their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) measures 0.08 or higher.’
‘Alcohol severely hampers a driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, impairing judgment and slowing reaction time.’
13,384 people die from drunk driving incidents a year. When those statistics are put into perspective it might persuade people to behave more responsibly and know that being behind the wheel. At the same time, driving can be life-threatening to not only them but everyone else on the road with them. In the U.S. alone, someone is killed by a drunk driver every 45 minutes. Sadly, not many people know this and it is important to teach these things to young adults & teenagers who are unfamiliar with alcohol consumption According to an article,
‘Call the police If you can’t prevent a person from driving drunk, call the police.’ […] ‘Do not try to follow the driver in your vehicle or engage them on the road.’
Taking the proper precautions when in contact with a drunk driver is very important as well, it could cost your life. To ensure the number of drunk driving incidents decreases it needs to be enforced about how deadly it is, some people may not know, and teaching may be the reason they are more careful when going out to drink.
Distracted Driving Personal Experience & The Closing Summary
Despite me fitting the criteria of the leading age group for distracted & drunk driving I have never Indulged in those dangerous activities, when I am on the road I focus because generally speaking, I am responsible for myself and my vehicle and I am aware that if I operate my car poorly it could potentially end the life (s) of an innocent driver on the road with me as well. I have never been a victim of drunk driving but I strongly believe the U.S must do a better job of teaching future generations about the dangers of distracted and drunk driving
In conclusion, to decrease the number of vehicle accidents from increasing it is important that the deaths of vehicle incidents are put into perspective for future generations to better understand. Drunk driving has been an issue since the late 18th century and the number of drunk driving death cases has gone up since then. Driving under the influence was originally made illegal in 1910 yet it is still an ongoing issue. It’s more common for young adults to be the ones initiating drunk driving accidents and it is believed they do it for an ‘Adrenaline rush. We must teach our youth about the dangers of driving under the influence. It is better to educate them on how and when it is appropriate to consume alcohol.
‘Call the police If you can’t prevent a person from driving drunk, call the police.’ […] ‘Do not try to Follow the driver in your vehicle or engage them on the road.’
Unfortunately, drunk driving is an issue that is still very much ongoing and increasing which is why alcohol consumption and control is something that needs to be enforced as well. With more people spreading awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and realizing that this is an Issue people lose their lives to everyday there is hope in saving the future from the dangers and the importance of knowing how to drive properly.
