The Problem With Drivers

34,000 people. 34,000 people die each year in a driver related accident. That is 34,000 too many. The Korean War resulted in less deaths. The average person has to ask themselves, am I giving my full attention behind the wheel? Driving is a privilege and to earn that privilege you must pass a written and hands on test. There are people out there driving without one which can get themselves into legal trouble. Some might argue that the idea of needing a license to drive is a paradox because how can one learn to drive without being on the road, but there are systems in place for that. There are schools with student drivers that are available. Some high schools even offer it. Driver’s education is important because it is a skill that will never not be useful. Most people aren’t terrible drivers, they just lack the knowledge. There are many rules for every scenario while on the road and most people don’t know the half. They know the basics that will get them from point A to point B. The problem with that is they are ignoring the possibility of unforeseen circumstances, where their course of action may be what determines the outcome.

Negligence happens, but it should not happen as often as it does. When one knows that they are not in the right headspace to drive but still chooses to turn the key, they abuse their power. They abuse the fact that they have a license and a vehicle to drive. If anything were to happen the license can be revoked. In the case of teenagers they are given a permit which acts like a drivers license but still requires that an adult is present while they are operating the vehicle. That is a smart move because who else will keep a teen in check better than their parental figure. This gives time for practice before driving on their own. If anything, all first time drivers should start off with the same rules a teen does when they get their permit, because the experience is needed.

There also needs to be review. Just because you learn something once does not mean you are set for life. Some might go through long periods of time without ever being behind the wheel. There should be an expiration date on the license that ensures drivers get the refreshers they need. While there is an expiration already the date is not for five years, which is a reasonable amount of time. The only problem I see is that its a very simple process to renew. It can be done over mail. Instead it should be that after the five years are up, you are back at square one. Retake the tests and then you will be given your license. While that seems inconvenient it could always be done before the license is outdated. There is no need to wait for the last minute when said license is already expired. I know that when one reaches a certain age that it is required to take the test again, which makes sense. Experience comes with age which is good but not everyone’s the same. Some elderly people suffer from Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other illnesses that would make them unfit to drive. Therefore an evaluation of the driver’s state is important. Even for young people there are times where they should not be on the road.

Drunk driving is another issue that happens all too often. In the United States 34 people die daily from drunk driving. Driving under the influence is such a normal thing. People think that they are ok to drive and go for it. Ok is not good enough. A driver shouldn’t be ok to drive, they should be good to drive, which doesn’t typically happen when drunk. A sip or two is different, but being heavily on the influence is dangerous to them and those around. That is why there should always be a designated driver whenever going out to a party where there will be alcohol or other substances. Either that or call an uber if you must leave. Another issue that does not get the attention it needs is driving while tired. Studies have shown that a certain level of tiredness is equivalent to the state of being under the influence. A lot of accidents happen that were a result of the driver falling asleep on the wheel.

A relative of mine died when he fell asleep on the wheel. He was working multiple jobs to support three girls that he left behind. He was not in the right place to drive but he felt that he had to. He lost his life and that is upsetting. We need to understand that the safety of ourselves and others are in our hands. It sounds cliche but it’s the truth we have to prevent these things from happening. The road should be a journey not a place to die.