From Statistics to Brighter Futures

According to DmvEdu.org, in the U.S., “an average of 34,000 people die each year as a result of driving, surpassing the total number of American soldiers who have died from war in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.” I was quite shocked when reading this, it sparked an inclination for further research. I had not realized the significant opportunity to reduce the number of deaths due to driving. I remember learning about traffic laws, regulations, and road signs in driver’s education class in high school. I also learned about the potential risks on the road, such as distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding. Many of which, I would have thought, are not common and later prepared me to become a new driver and obtain my driver’s license. I firmly believe that raising awareness and understanding the consequences of risky behaviors will deter the public from engaging in them.

Luckily, I have not been in a car accident nor has anyone close to me. Still, I like to follow vehicle safety guidelines and have my child and passengers follow them as well. I encourage others to wear seat belts, not drive under the influence, and to not text while driving by modeling those behaviors. I believe if we pass on this knowledge, it will reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Public Awareness Campaigns can also play a huge role in impacting road safety. By launching these campaigns, the public can understand the dangers of risky behaviors supported by shocking statistics.

My neighborhood is involved in this initiative by posting on an app when we encounter culprits engaging in risky behaviors. It is not something we ignore, as we want to make sure everyone makes it home to their families. Recently, a specific car has been recklessly driving in the afternoons near my block. With the help of neighbors posting, we found the driver and brought their dangerous driving to their attention and let them know about the growing concerns. Since then, the road has felt much safer thanks to the community’s engagement. This is a practice I would recommend as I do feel safer now than I have in other areas where nearby residents do not actively communicate.

As I mentioned, I have been incredibly blessed to never have been in a car accident myself. I can, however, vividly remember an incident on my way back to work from lunch one cloudy day. I was at a red light and once the light changed to green, someone on their phone did not pay attention and crashed into another person who had the right of way. Witnessing this accident made me make a more conscious effort to focus on driving when I am behind the wheel. I am not completely innocent, since I did receive a ticket about seven years ago that required me to attend driving school. I learned a lot during that time, including more about my classmates, who did have scary stories to tell about their own experiences. I left that class with valuable insights into risk awareness and accident prevention. Sometimes it is beneficial to learn from others’ mistakes. It really forced me to take driving more seriously.

Without a doubt, the world would be a safer place if everyone did their part in driving responsibly and continued to educate themselves. Personally, practicing patience while driving contributes to safer road conditions and prevents road rage. This allows me to control my emotions and helps reduce anxiety. A calm mind responds rationally and makes mindful decisions, especially on the road where other peoples’ lives are in your hands. It is also important to minimize distractions like cell phones. I like to use hands free devices in my car by connecting to Bluetooth. I help others become safer on the road by not allowing anyone in my presence to drive under the influence. I am the type of friend that will call you an Uber before I let you leave the spot, keys in hand.

Even if I am a passenger on a road trip, I like to promote safe driving habits by helping the driver with directions and being their hands when they need theirs on the wheel. I believe each responsible choice we make as a collective becomes a crucial step toward a safer future. Together, as a community of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and anyone else you might see on the road, we have the power to increase safety in shared spaces. The goal is for every journey to end with a safe arrival back home.