Driving is a Privilege

With the rise of driverless operating vehicles, this concept has faced criticism from the populace. It is reasonable to recoil at the idea of gambling one’s life at the hands of an artificial intelligence. Afterall, who is to say that its internal software can perfectly calculate decisions under any possible scenario or may not malfunction during operation; however, such reactions are not as intense to a distracted driver, despite how both essentially do not have a driver at the wheel. Perhaps this is due to the reassurance and familiarity one feels with a physical, human driver. Perhaps this is due to the normalization of distracted driving, as most can recount at least one event where someone or themselves has driven irresponsibly. Regardless of the severity in which these factors should be accounted for, there is a staggering amount of deaths from driving each year. How can we reduce this?

Unlike the cartoons, there is no magical potion to completely eradicate the issues at hand. Although, I do believe there is one simple mindset change that can produce promising results: driving is a privilege. With technological advancements we obtained the ability to traverse great distances within a reasonably short duration, converse across the world at a click of a button, and order fast food directly transported to us, among a plethora of other luxuries. Such differences in lifestyle are ones that our ancestors could not even begin to fathom! While we cannot alter our lifestyle to that of our predecessors, we can express gratitude for their grievances we are fortunate enough to not experience. Changes in our perspective towards driving comparably reflect in attitude behind the wheel.

The next step to reducing unnecessary deaths is removing unnecessary distractions. Every second in a moving vehicle is a gamble on our lives and we want to do what we can to keep the odds in our favor! No text is more important than the lives at stake. The GPS should be pulled up prior to driving, versus fumbling with the app while driving. Music should be at a comfortable level that does not impede on the critical thinking skills vital during operation of a vehicle. Ultimately, the driver knows themselves best. For example, if the driver cannot multitask well between conversing and making the correct directions to efficiently arrive at the destination, the best decision is to limit the conversations to a minimum– if any at all. A disciplined driver who can hold themselves accountable and understands their limitations will make more valuable decisions in those high-risk, critical situations.

Sometimes, the precautionary measures that should be taken happen even before the wheel: proper drivers education. If a driver is ignorant to the rules of the road, how can one expect them to perform at the high thinking and decision making level critical for operating machinery? Therefore, every individual obtaining their license should avoid cutting corners in their education and attempt to retain the information the best they can. Of course, knowledge can be naturally lost overtime! Therefore, just as knives need to be resharpened as they get dull, refining one’s knowledge on the road can aid in better driving skills. Such skills can aid in minimizing the devastating outcomes of a car accident from disastrous to promising! Even simply realizing the gruesome numbers attributed to lives lost to driving can completely reshape one’s decisions on the road.

Once one reflects and implements better driving techniques, the way to reduce driving deaths is not based on oneself but others. While we cannot control the actions of the reckless drivers on the road, we can hold ourselves and our loved ones accountable. Whether it is using the driver’s phone to send a dire text or driving for a drunk friend to ensure their safety, we can directly affect the actions of others for the most optimal outcome! It may certainly be uncomfortable to comment on the decisions of others, but proceeding with such caution is principal for everyone involved.

Lastly, the vehicle itself can be the issue. The last thing anyone could desire is a car that has sporadically broken down on the highway. Everyone expects every vehicle to be in motion so the reflex to slow down on a suddenly stopped vehicle may be seconds too late. To help ensure such worst case scenarios do not occur, one should periodically take their vehicle to be inspected and fix any issues. Any anomalies in car performance and sounds should not be taken lightly!

Not every accident can be prevented but if each individual makes an active effort to provide greater safety for everyone on the road, then we could find a substantial decrease in injuries and deaths deriving from haphazard driving. Whether it is holding oneself responsible for their negligent ways or being attentive to one’s vehicle, every action triumphs over inaction. Every decision, good or bad, makes a difference.