Reducing Car Crash Fatalities: Education and Responsibility Matter

Driving is an integral aspect of daily living, but it is also filled with peril. In fact, traffic accidents are a leading cause of fatalities in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A total of over 38,000 people died in car accidents in 2020 alone. While these figures are alarming, it is not beyond the realm of possibility to reduce the number of fatalities through a mix of driver education, regulation, technology, and personal responsibility. Through my own experience, I have learned the importance of driver education and prudence behind the wheel, and it has shifted my own perspective towards driving.

Driver education is one of the solutions to reducing fatalities on the road. Proper training sensitizes motorists to traffic rules, such as speed limits, safe following, and right-of-way. Training also teaches motorists basic defensive driving techniques, which are essential to avoid accidents by other motorists. I was a teenager when I attended a driver‘s education class, which did not only inform me of driving basics but also how to see ahead and act accordingly. My class showed me it was alright to drive defensively and responsibly, not to speed through speed limit signs, and not to drive without enough sleep. It also taught me to listen to everything going on around me on the road. Without having learned this, I might have done things improperly that put myself and others at risk.

And yet, despite the fact that driver education is necessary, even more needs to be done to reduce deaths and make driving safer. One of the most important actions is enacting tougher laws that deter careless driving, such as texting and driving or drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs. Distracted driving, particularly texting and driving, has become one of the leading causes of automobile accidents. Texting and driving is estimated to increase the chances of a crash by 23 times, yet individuals keep doing it without knowing the repercussions. Enacting laws that severely punish texting and driving, along with public campaigns for its dangers, can reduce such accidents.

Besides legislation, advancements in car safety technology have also played a major role in reducing road deaths. Features such as airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), lane-keeping systems, and collision warning systems have made cars safer than ever before. These safety features work in real time to alert drivers of the danger ahead and avoid accidents from occurring. However, these technologies are still not fitted in all vehicles, and most older models lack these life-saving devices. Automobile manufacturers need to keep developing and making such technologies cheaper and more widely available so that all drivers, but especially new drivers, can enjoy them. Also, frequent car maintenance, such as tire checks, brake servicing, and periodic inspections, will prevent mechanical failure that might cause accidents.

I personally learned how crucial safe driving is after a car accident occurred a few years ago. It was raining in the afternoon, and I was driving fast on wet roads. I was in a hurry, and even though it was raining, I was driving fast. When I tried to brake, my car hydroplaned, and I lost control, crashing into the guardrail. Fortunately, I was not seriously injured, but my car was completely destroyed, and I was shaken by the experience. Reflecting on the accident, I understood that my speed and the rain were the primary causes of the accident. I understood that if I had been more cautious and driven slowly, I could have avoided the accident. This experience not only taught me to modify my speed based on the road conditions but also taught me the value of staying calm and alert while driving.

Aside from my own experience, I‘ve also observed people driving in an irresponsible fashion, and I‘ve seen where this has led them. My friend, who had just been licensed, drove terribly, speeding and running through red lights. At one point, he drove through a red light and barely managed to miss a car. This was a harsh wake-up call. After that, I took the opportunity to talk to my friend about the damage of careless driving. I told them how their actions could have resulted in not only ruining their life but also the life of others on the road. Thankfully, they heard me out and became more cautious driving.

I’ve since attempted to do my best to become a better safer driver since the accident and from watching others who drive carelessly. I always wear a seat belt, follow the speed limit, and make sure that I never drive while on my phone. Distracted driving is important to me, and I deliberately remind my family and friends to keep their phones out of reach while driving. I also take precautions while driving in bad weather, reducing speed and maintaining distance from other cars. I think that an example is one of the best ways to motivate others to drive more safely.

For other people to become safer drivers, I also believe in driver education. Everyone must learn about the dangers of driving and why they need to be careful on the road. I have had discussions with friends and family members about safe driving practices and how important it is to stay alert and focused when driving. I’ve also recommended that they take defensive driving courses to further enhance their skills and prepare for unexpected situations.

In conclusion, reducing car accident fatalities requires a combination of proper driver education, stricter laws, vehicle safety technology, and personal responsibility. Driving education is a very important aspect to make individuals prepared to drive on the road responsibly and securely. However, traffic laws must also be enforced that prevent such irresponsible driving, improve the safety equipment of the vehicles, and encourage safe driving through awareness campaigns. I have understood the importance of becoming a defensive and responsible driver from my personal experience of having been in an accident and seeing others drive negligently. By placing safe driving first and encouraging others to do the same, we can all contribute to making our world safer for all drivers.