The Difference Between 42,795 and 42,796

The Korean war, one of the most destructive conflicts in modern time, had an American death toll of 36,574 people. In just the last year, 2023, 42,795 Americans died in motor vehicle accidents. That is 6,221 more lives lost on our roadways than there were on foreign soil. So, it’s not an exaggeration to say that preparing to drive is just as, or more, important as preparing for war. Many people begin driving with one or the other, education or experience, but hardly both. As a beginner driver myself, I have already experienced tons of near misses that stress the importance of not only driving education but also driving experience.

In an age where street racing and risky lane changes are idolized by the driving community, drivers often seek the need for speed. 12,330 people died in 2021 because of speeding, in fact according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, aggressive driving such as tailgating, erratic lane changing, and illegal passes make up 56% of fatal crashes. Over half of the people in these fatal crashes were not wearing a seatbelt, and the age group most involved in fatal speeding crashes are 15- to 20-year-olds. So, what are some things you can do with speeding drivers in mind? The left most is for faster drivers and the rightest lane is for slower drivers, so if someone is tailgating you and pressuring you to speed up, switch to the right lane closest to you. You should give speeding drivers space in case they make aggressive moves and/or lose control of their vehicles. What are two reasons that cause aggressive driving? Traffic jams are a reason for aggressive driving, the stand still nature of traffic urges reckless drivers to frequently change lanes and speed. Another reason for aggressive driving is time. When running late, many drivers make aggressive maneuvers to make up for the time lost. Encountering aggressive drivers on the road is bound to happen and knowing what to do is the difference between 12,330 and 12,331. Make sure you don’t cut anyone off when merging lanes and use your blinkers before moving to show your intentions. Don’t make any obscene gestures, which is a quick way to anger anyone. Aggressive drivers might have aggressive personalities as well and attempt to rouse you up, however, do not engage with the driver, avoid eye contact, distance yourself, and stay calm.

Every 39 minutes someone dies in a DUI related crash. DUI stand for driving while under the influence, and that can range from alcohol or marijuana to over-the-counter medicine. It is commonly known that to drive your BAC or blood alcohol concentration must be under 0.8, however even a 0.1 BAC can be fatal as 2,266 people died in 2021 from drivers 0.7 BAC and lower. At just 0.2 BAC your visual functions have become slower, and your attention is divided. At 0.5 BAC your alertness is lowered, you become uncoordinated, you have difficulty steering, and you’re less able to track moving objects. You’re heavily visually, mentally, and physically impaired at 0.8 BAC as your muscles are unable to coordinate, you’re unable to control your speed, and have a hard time detecting danger. At 0.10 BAC you are unable to react on time, unable to stay in your lane or brake, and at 0.15 BAC you are unable to control your vehicle or your bodily functions. Everyone knows that driving while under the influence is deadly, yet 31% of fatal crashes in America are from drunk driving and 56% of drivers involved in fatal crashes were tested positive for being influenced by at least one drug. Marijuana, one of the most popular drugs of our time, impairs motor skills, cognitive functions, and the ability to multitask.

How could you save a life in your 39 minutes? If you plan on being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, find a sober designated driver, and don’t let anyone get behind the wheel if they appear to be under the influence.

3,522 lives were lost due to distracted driving. That’s a glance down at your phone or a quick sip of your coffee, which may seem insignificant, but one second of your eyes off the road can be fatal. A study done by Zendrive in 2018 found that 69 million people use their phones while driving. 25 – 34-year-old drivers make up the largest percentage of distracted drivers, 30%, while 35- to 44-year-olds make up another 16%. Drowsy driving has caused more than 10,000 deaths, making up 21% of fatal crashes in 2014. Getting less than four hours of sleep makes you 11.5% more likely to be involved in a car crash.

Drivers shouldn’t be alarmed by these facts. Instead, thoroughly prepare yourself before driving. Ensure that you are not under any time constraints, not under any drug or alcohol influence, well energized, and focused on the road. Those four simple things are the difference between life and death while driving. Do not assume that everyone had the same driving training as you had, some may have had less or more. Each death is preventable when entering the roadway by being a well prepared and knowledgeable driver. You are in control.