Risks, Responsibilities, and Reminders

Risks, Responsibilities, and Reminders

Meredith Talor

I was shocked when looking at the number of highway-related deaths in comparison to the number of war-related deaths. An average of 34,000 American deaths is attributed to vehicle accidents each year. The deadliest war in American history was World War II in which 291,557 Americans died between 1941-1945; this is an average of 72,889 deaths per year during WWII. This makes vehicle-related deaths almost half as deadly as a world war!

Since getting my license at 16, I haven’t given much thought to driving or drivers ed. I think the same could be said for most Americans. We are willing to learn and be educated enough to get our licenses; however, after that driving becomes normal and we forget how dangerous it really can be. Educating drivers is important because it can remind drivers of the potential dangers of driving and can encourage them to be more aware of their driving. If more people are cautious and attentive when driving, then the number of accidents will decrease.

There are many things we can do to decrease the number of deaths due to highway accidents. One way is to increase awareness of risks through TV commercials, social media posts, and other ads. By highlighting the risks and sharing stats, these ads can be small ways to bring awareness to big audiences. Another way we could increase education is by making mandatory online modules that every person holding a driver’s license must complete every 2-5 years to keep their license. These modules could show stats, explain risks, and promote defensive driving skills. Both of these ideas — ads and mandatory modules — will remind drivers of the responsibility that they have when driving and promote safer driving. This will, in turn, decrease deaths related to driving.

I have experienced some near accidents both personally and with friends and family. I have also seen horrible wrecks happen right in front of me. Every time this happens or I experience a close call, it wakes me up and reminds me of the responsibility I have to drive safely. I think I need to remind myself that my life and the lives of others are in my hands when I drive. I need to make a point not to use my phone and drive; even if I need to use maps, I should pull over rather than trying to find an address while driving. Another way I can drive more responsibly is by making sure to use my blinkers and routinely check all of my mirrors to have a good understanding of what is going on around me. By doing these things with other people in my car, I can be a good influence and show them that safe driving is possible and beneficial!