“Unequal Roads: How Socioeconomic Privilege Influences Driving Risks”

A week before my driver’s test, nervous as can be, tragedy struck my city. Despite Sacramento, CA being a larger city where not every car accident makes headlines, news spread quickly within my community. My best friend told me that a girl from her school, Saint Francis High School, had been involved in a car accident that resulted in the deaths of two elderly women at her hands. Although I did not know the girl well and could not fully grasp the pain of losing a family member or friend, I felt deeply for those affected by the tragedy, especially the women who lost their lives during what they thought was their morning walk. What bothered me was that just two days after the news broke, the girl and her friends went on a trip to Santa Cruz to “forget what happened and clear her head,” while her parents, influential lawyers in Sacramento, worked to support her. They managed to secure a suspended license for her without any other consequences being considered. Do you think this is fair?

Let’s just say, I did not go in for my driver’s test the following Friday morning. The thought of how a girl not much older than me got distracted and caused so much harm in such a short time filled me with anxiety. When accidents like this happen, it is crucial not only to prioritize safety but also to take responsibility for our actions. I felt that in this case, responsibility was not properly upheld. Instead of facing consequences for what she did, it seemed like she received just a warning, almost as if nothing significant had occurred. Her privileged status seemed to grant her a freedom that many others would never receive. It is essential for our governments to ensure that roads are safe, and those involved in accidents are held accountable, regardless of their social or economic status.

Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of preventable-injury deaths in the United States. Income, poverty, race, employment, education, and driver age are some ways that influence the likelihood of being involved in a crash, and what the outcome may entail on both sides. At the time an accident occurs and the police are called to the scene, there are determined efforts to connect the appearance of individuals involved or the vehicles they were driving to the events and determine credibility. When examining misdemeanors or fatal accidents on the road, it is extremely evident that white and wealthy individuals often face less serious repercussions. Wealthier individuals may also be more likely to afford legal representation in accident cases, which can influence how disputes are resolved and how insurance claims are processed. As these facts make clear, the social environment that a driver operates in can vary widely depending on his or her socioeconomic status. The risks poorer drivers face are greater, as are the immense costs they potentially face, and the lack of resources available. Regardless of your social status, on the other hand, understanding the rules of the road and knowing what to do in case of an accident is essential.

Every day, wealthy, predominantly white individuals with high-paying or high-status jobs often receive more lenient treatment when it comes to punishment compared to others. Car-based transportation, now the dominant mode of American travel, continues to perpetuate racial discrimination and inequality. America is not as equal as we had hoped, especially in areas like healthcare, education, and employment, where many groups are fighting for equal opportunity and treatment. Driving regulations and safety requirements should be equally important. If we are all required to take our state’s DMV tests, meet vehicle requirements, and obey traffic laws and signage, these standards must be enforced for everyone. It also comes down to ensuring that roads are paved and safe, traffic signs are up-to-date nationwide, and that cars being sold have been properly inspected to ensure they are suitable for the road.

There needs to be legislation to decriminalize violations such as driving with a broken tail light, being late on payments due to financial struggles, and other minor traffic offenses that disproportionately burden low-income individuals and people of color. Holding people accountable for their actions goes both ways: ensuring we treat everyone with equal respect while acknowledging that not everyone in America starts from the same place of equality. Recognizing these issues will help make the roads safer for everyone and ensure fair treatment for all.

Driving safety goes beyond just knowing how to drive, having a new and improved vehicle, or being alert on the road, but more about recognizing that driving is a huge privilege that not everyone has. In a country dependent on transportation, particularly cars, many of us take this privilege for granted. I am grateful that I have never been pulled over by the police or been in a car accident myself, but I have witnessed the impact of road tragedies on others. As a white, upper-middle-class woman, I recognize my privilege when it comes to driving and understand that I might not be treated the same as someone of lower socioeconomic status. However, this disparity is neither right nor just.

Recognizing the privilege I have is a good starting point. Regardless of who you are or your perceived status, road safety is universal. Many vehicle crashes and related injuries are preventable, emphasizing the need to stay safe, alert, and free from distractions. America has a long journey ahead to achieve equality for all, and I strongly believe that ensuring equal road safety should be a priority. Whether it involves preventing accidents or simply driving down the street, striving for equal road safety can make a significant difference.