Drive to Survive

Imagine driving the length of a football field at 55 MPH with your eyes closed. This is exactly what happens every time you pick up your phone and check a text which takes your eyes off the road for approximately 5 seconds. Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of injury and death in young adults. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, teen drivers ages 16-19 years old have a fatal vehicle crash rate 3x higher than drivers 20 years old and over. Distracted driving is the number one reason for vehicle accidents. These statistics really hit home when they affect you or someone you know. It is simple and easy to say, “follow the rules of the road” or “don’t text and drive”, but much more difficult to actually do. The rules of the road are not made as an inconvenience. They are a way to save lives. I feel this is a very simple statement that is too often overlooked or forgotten.

In 1928, driver’s education was introduced in high schools due to the increased number of teen drivers. It originally focused on basic tasks such as starting the engine, steering, braking and accelerating. Today’s classes not only teach how to operate a vehicle, but also focus on safe driving habits, rules of the road, and avoiding potential dangers. Currently, only twenty-three states require a driver’s education program for anyone under the age of 18. A study done by the University of Nebraska followed more than 150,000 teen drivers over the course of eight years. It showed drivers who did not complete a driver’s education program were 24% more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than drivers who completed a driver’s program. So what can we do to prevent accidents and stay alive? Distracted driving is the number one reason for vehicle accidents today. Any activity that takes the driver’s attention off the road is considered distracted driving. Texting is the number one reason for driver distraction. Everyone knows cell phones are not going to disappear, so what are some solutions that will decrease injuries and deaths caused by distracted driving? We tend to dismiss the danger checking our phone poses while driving. The easiest and most effective way is to simply put your phone away, but society finds this difficult because we always want to be available to our friends and family. A solution would be to send a text to people before getting behind the wheel of your car. Let friends and family know you’ll be on the road and unavailable for a while. Most people tend to respect the courtesy and organization a simple text like this conveys. Program any music, maps, etc that would take your eyes off the road before driving so that you won’t be distracted. Lead by example and stay off your phone while driving with your friends. Let them know it bothers you when they are on their phones while driving. Knowing the facts can go a long way when helping people see and understand the true dangers of distracted driving.

Speeding, driving fatigued and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are also major reasons for motor vehicle accidents. According to USA Today, there have been 114 fatal car crashes every day for the last three years. This is a saddening and disturbing fact. Most everyone has probably either been or knows someone who has been in an accident or had a “close call” due to distracted driving. Just over a year ago, my sister was involved in a head-on collision. She was driving home alone on a country road after an evening class at the local community college. It was just before Thanksgiving. The sun had set and it was dark outside. On the horizon, there was an oncoming light. Seeing one headlight, she thought it was a motorcycle but didn’t pay too much attention beyond that. Suddenly she realized it was a car with the driver’s side headlight out veering over the center line. Reacting as quickly as possible, she swerved right but it was too late. The noise was an explosion in her ears. The shattering glass cut her face.

When she came to, her car sat in the ditch, the other car sat empty and abandoned in the middle of the road. It was a hit-and-run. It was an experience that has never left her. This event has instilled in me the need to not only follow the rules of the road myself but always be cautious of other drivers. We need to be diligent and mindful every time we get behind the wheel of a car.

Sadly, driving statistics speak for themselves. It is important to follow the rules of the road, obey speed limits, wear your seat belt, and stay off your phone when operating a vehicle. If these rules are followed, your chances of dying in a car crash will be greatly reduced. Wanting to be connected at all times is a part of who we are. However, there are times when we need to disconnect. Keep in mind that nothing is more important than life itself which sadly, is sometimes remembered too late. Stay organized and focused when you’re behind the wheel. Lead by example when you are driving and let people know how you feel if they are on their phones. Always remember the goal of being in your car is simple, it is to arrive alive.