Distracted Driving: Lives Lost Can Be Saved

In the year 2022, over 42,000 people (about twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden) passed away in a fatal car accident. (CDC) This is eight thousand lives lost over the annual average for America. Over 42,000 lives were lost and torn away from their friends and family because of careless, distracted, or under the influence driving. Lives that may as well have been saved with the proper driving education. Some steps can be taken to be a safer driver, prevent crashes, and save lives. Steps that can drastically change a person’s fate on the road. Steps that are vital to keeping the people around you safe.

Driver’s Ed is critical to a person’s safety on the road. According to a study done at the University of Nebraska, teen drivers who have not taken driver’s ed are “75 percent more likely to get a traffic ticket, 24 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident, and 16 percent more likely to have an accident…” (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) In another study by the same university, 151,800 records were collected and studied. The results showed that fifty-three percent of the holders of these records took driver’s ed. The other forty-seven percent logged the fifty hours of supervised driving, qualifying them for a permit or license. This study also showed that the forty-seven percent of drivers who did not take driver’s ed were almost two percent more likely to be in a car crash, .5 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident, and over eight percent more likely to be issued a ticket for a driving violation. (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) These studies show the vital importance of taking driver education when learning to drive. The researchers of this study concluded that “Because teen crashes and fatality rates are highest at ages 16-18, these reductions are especially meaningful. Driver education appears to make a difference in teen traffic outcomes at a time when risk is highest.” Finding the time to take driver’s education when learning is one of the most crucial factors in safe driving and saving lives on the road.

On a more personal level, driver’s ed and safe driving are core values of mine. In the summer of 2022, the year deaths from car accidents were over 42,000, I almost became a part of that statistic. It was during my last driver’s ed drive before I would officially be able to get my license when a lady fell asleep at the wheel, crossed the middle line, and side-swiped us at highway speeds. The accident took the side mirror clean off the training car and, if I had been any closer to the middle line, would have severely injured, if not killed, along with the others in the car. The woman behind the wheel claimed to have fallen asleep after a long day at work, but the driving instructor, the other student in the car, and I all think she may have been under the influence. When the police arrived and asked her to perform a sobriety test, she could barely walk straight. I never learned what came of it, but I spent a long time refusing to be behind the wheel again. After that, I was terrified of driving, and it took me a long time to finally get my license and start driving on my own. Despite the fear and severity of the situation, it taught me just how dangerous distracted driving can be. It showed me that I never wanted to be the woman who crossed the middle line. Whether it is tired driving, texting and driving, or driving under the influence of any substance, I never want to risk taking an innocent life for an ignorant reason. I have chosen to learn from this experience instead of focusing on how bad it could have been. From then on, I have been careful to drive safely so I never add to the statistics.

In addition to taking driver’s ed, other steps and precautions can be taken to prevent accidents or minimize their damage. Distractions should be reduced to a minimum when driving. It can be tempting to shoot a quick text, answer a call, or even change the song with a glance and tap. But that small moment of looking away from the road can be deadly to both you and others. Studies show that in 2022, over three thousand people died from a distracted driving accident. (NHTSA) That is roughly 7% of the total deaths due to car accidents that year. All because of a glance away from the road. Electronics should be stored away out of sight. I put my phone in the middle console of my car, so it is out of sight and mind while I drive. Additionally, driving under the influence should never be acceptable, no matter the tolerance to the substance. According to the NHTSA, 37 people on average die from drunk driving accidents every day. This is estimated to be about one person every 39 minutes. Out of the approximately 42,000 deaths from car accidents in 2022, over thirty percent were a result of drunk driving. (NHTSA) Driving under the influence is never acceptable. In France, every motorist is required to carry a disposable breathalyzer in their car. This is so drivers can check themselves after a night out to see if it is safe for them to drive. (Auto Europe) These disposable breathalyzers are sold at drug stores across the country, so they are easily accessible. I believe this should be implemented in the United States to reduce the number of lives taken by driving under the influence. Either way, distracted driving is incredibly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

Distracted driving is one of the biggest factors in accidents on the road. As previously mentioned, it is tempting to glance away from the road for a moment to shoot a text, grab a drink of coffee, or even just respond to your passenger. This temptation, however, could cost a life. The life of an innocent stranger, a close friend or family member, a student driver, or even your own life. But it does not have to be this way. Take the steps to protect yourself and those around you. Drive safely, eliminate distractions, and never drive tired or under the influence. The lives both lost and saved will thank you.