Is A Text Message Worth Dying?

According to USA Today, “the number of deadly accidents in the United States increased by more than 16% – from 36,835 fatal car crashes in 2018 to 42,795 fatal car crashes in 2022. This is why driving education is important to help prevent risky behavior and have the knowledge to become safe drivers. Driver education allows people to familiarize themselves with speed limits and other rules that create structure in a chaotic setting. People can be more responsible on the road by not using their phones, driving under the influence of substances, and paying attention to the road by limiting distractions. When people fail to acknowledge that it is primarily their responsibility and accountability to maintain alert on the road, that is when catastrophes happen.

Conscientiousness and good behavior are what make the difference between a great driver and a terrible driver. Many accidents have occurred due to the lack of patience and failure to abide by standard laws. There are a lot of car accidents that could have been prevented if people followed the speed limits of traffic. Speed limits exist to maintain a flow of traffic while protecting the lives of others, so speeding 15-20 miles over the speed limit increases the probability of getting into a car accident. People who speed are only saving about 26 seconds per day on average which is not worth the casualties. As far as using technology on the road, there is no need for it especially since the market for technology and Bluetooth gadgets exist. People can purchase car mounts or use wireless earphones to answer calls and text messages in a way that does not endanger the lives of others and themselves. Another solution to reducing the deaths related to driving would be to have designated drivers in advance, so people can drink at social gatherings without worrying about how they will get home. Other substances that impair driving skills are marijuana and pharmaceuticals. According to the National Police Association, “The increasing use of marijuana and pharmaceuticals are competing with alcohol – or combining with alcohol to kill many of the expected 32,000 drivers and passengers in crashes this year.” Combining alcohol with medication can be fatal since one of the first effects is a reduction in the functioning part of the brain that allows the person to realize they are impaired. People who make rational decisions when it comes to substance use before driving reduce the likelihood of getting into a car accident.

The only experience I have had with a friend driving irresponsibly was when they were speeding on the freeway toward our high school graduation. We were doing well on time but she felt frustrated with how much traffic there was so she started speeding past the speed limit which concerned me. It did not help that she was also beginning to express some road rage by using foul language and raising her voice, where I took the initiative to talk to her so she could calm down. This experience altered my perspective on speeding and how getting to a destination at a faster time is not worth the potential accident. Ever since then, I never wanted to drive with her again considering she made me feel uncomfortable and endangered. My parents have always disciplined me to make a habit of leaving 20 minutes earlier than any appointments to prevent running late and avoid the temptation of speeding. I have made it a habit to go anywhere that I drive to so that I am better prepared for any constructions or mishaps along the way. Looking back, my friend could have relieved some of her stress by leaving earlier and being more calm. Sometimes, people let their emotions carry over while driving which is not ideal as a driver needs to remain composed and calm to make smart decisions.

The ability to drive a car is a privilege that people should learn to appreciate by respecting the law, driving according to the speed limit, and avoiding the use of substances before going on the road. Unfortunately, car crashes are the leading cause of death for people in the U.S. ages 1-54. Implementing driver education teaches the significance of lane merging, traffic signs, and speed limits which help people become responsible drivers. A lot of people get into car accidents because of alcohol but by having designated drivers or even car services planned, they can avoid driving recklessly. Another form of distraction on the road is the use of technology but with Bluetooth settings and car mounts, the problem of not responding to a text is eliminated. It is through the knowledge that I gained from Drivers Education and my experience on the road, that I have learned to become a safe driver and therefore support this education for others.