Reduce the risk of deaths

Cars, a widely used form of transport, have been developed throughout the years. Companies and inventors came up with appealing and efficient vehicles. Be it for transportation, fame, or decoration, cars are a vital part of people’s lives. Without it, jobs would not be reached, families would not bond, and history would not be written. With modern technology, we mark history and the road for future generations. But a prevailing issue has been gaining attention from the government, drivers, and everyday pedestrians. Being a mere driver brings death to people without caution. Victims’ lives are shattered, families are frightened, and communities are broken apart. Despite all this, we can bring about change and work to decrease deaths among drivers and pedestrians.

As a teenager in the process of learning how to drive, I have witnessed distracted driving. Before crossing a sidewalk, I would see drivers on their phones before they could notice a pedestrian or change of light. This makes their reaction time slower and unfocused. My uncle, drunk and distracted by his phone, has also been arrested, and this has had an impact on me. Not only did he lose his license, but he also lost the trust of his family and his dignity. This made me far more aware of the dangers of both alcohol and distracted texting. My mother was learning how to drive, and my father was guiding her through a large highway. She was nervous since there were several vehicles driving by, and her anxiety increased. She pressed the brakes too suddenly, and we ended up hitting the back of a car. We all had our seatbelts and felt the straps kept us from getting hurt. We were all frightened, and the driver who was hit didn’t get injured. Instead, she was worried for us, and no one got off the wrong foot. Now that my mother has learned to drive, she tells me ways to avoid accidents and how to be careful when driving.

We constantly need to check rear mirrors in the car, and trying to do this while texting is stressful. Turning your phone off can be an efficient method to prevent texting while driving. Driving consists of your visual, manual, and cognitive attention. The device doesn’t even have to be completely off; it could be silent, which would diminish the distraction of checking notifications. Social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok are widely popular and constantly seek usage from teenagers. TikTok requires you to constantly scroll, which would bring your focus to the videos and force your hands off the steering wheel. Situations like these cause accidents and, as a result, cause death. Whenever someone posts, a notification is sent, and teenagers dread to view it. Social media companies should work to add features to their apps that reduce screen time. Death rates would drop, and people would feel more secure when crossing the sidewalk.

Planning ahead can also be a vital component of reducing distracted driving. While the car is in motion, many start going through their GPS and typing up their destination. But this takes your view off the road and reduces your time to think if anything goes wrong. Instead, typing in your destination beforehand is not only easier but also safer. Since technology is advanced, you would not need to type much, and the GPS voice leads the way. If a driver is drunk, it is vital to not drive and instead be replaced, which would prevent deaths. Getting a full rest will increase your focus on the road and make you more aware of incoming pedestrians or traffic. Too many people disregard the importance of sleep and the importance of a proper meal. If you are hungry and sleepy, your cognitive thinning will be disrupted.

Additionally, more awareness through school programs would be beneficial. Public schools offer HIV/AIDS lessons; adding a distracted driving lesson would show how fatal technology can be. Making teenagers aware of the harm done can enable them to be more open about their surroundings and think twice. These programs should have real-life testimonies and interactive activities so everyone can become engaged. They can then spread the message to their parents or adults who drive, which would be beneficial. Additionally, the government can provide the most efficient solution to distracted driving. If the government puts pressure on states for harsher driving laws, it will have an impact on how drivers view the law. The government can also fund new technological solutions, such as apps and cellular device features that reduce texting while driving.

As a driver, there are several ways to ensure vehicle accidents can be reduced. I can make sure my car is checked up on so it doesn’t malfunction, especially for the brakes. Not pressing the brake at the right time increases deaths. Also, well-maintained roads and well-built road signs could promote better visuality.

Therefore, educational awareness in schools, stricter laws in all states, social media features, planning, and turning your phone off can reduce death and dangerous accidents.