Fatalities and Their Fixes

Fatalities due to car accidents are skyrocketing. “In the past year, more people have died as a result of driving than people died during the Vietnam war.” It is upsetting to know that people, especially younger people, do not understand the importance of being a well-educated driver. Driver education plays a crucial role in creating a safer environment and reducing the number of fatalities associated with operating vehicles.

There are a multitude of reasons why one must understand the laws of the road before sitting behind the wheel. First, one must realize that they are in control of a lethal weapon. This means that one also must understand that they have great responsibilities when operating such machinery. To help the public understand the severity of these issues, government agencies, transportation authorities, educators and law enforcement can take multiple steps to further educate the general public. For starters, new drivers should be required to take a course on driver education and training. These courses would teach new drivers the importance of traffic laws, defensive driving techniques and responsible driving. Another step to reducing the number of deaths related to driving is to implement stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Also, more automated enforcement technologies could be implemented. This could decrease dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, driving while under the influence, texting while driving, and the failure to use seat belts. Lastly, advocates for a safer driving environment could launch public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the responsibilities of driving and promote responsible driving habits. These campaigns would focus on issues such as speeding, impaired driving, and seat belt usage.

I recently have had a family member involved in an accident. Last September, my two younger sisters ended up in a rear end accident due to a car having its taillights out. The accident ended up totaling three cars including my sister’s. Thankfully, there were no deaths in their accident. However, my youngest sister, Willa, suffered from a shoulder injury and a concussion that had to be corrected with months of physical therapy. Before the accident, she was devoted to her love of cross country running. Unfortunately, the effects of her concussion cause her to have serious pain while running and she is now unable to compete without having any trouble. Wenston, my middle sister, was driving the car the day of the accident. I know that Wenston checks her phone often while driving. I am not saying that this was a factor that led to the accident, but I am saying that she can be irresponsible in the driver’s position. Even though that factor may not have contributed to her accident, it is a major risk factor. Looking away from the road for even a couple of seconds can have a drastic outcome. For example, say you look down at your phone to check a text message, you think that this is a harmless action. But what if the person in the oncoming car is also checking a text. Both you and the other driver are not paying attention to the road and you and him/her are veering into each other’s lane. In a short second you come to an abrupt stop because you hit the other car head on in between the two lanes. Now let’s say you have a passenger in the front seat of your car not wearing a seat belt and you hit the car going seventy miles per hour. When you hit the car head on, you then witness your passenger fly through the windshield and end up on the hood of the other car. Distracted driving is one of the most endangering aspects of being in control of a vehicle and that is why it is so to understand the importance of limiting your distractions while behind the wheel.

In order to practice safe driving, there are multiple ways to ensure that one does not endanger themselves or others. One of these ways is to practice defensive driving. There are people on the road who do not understand the consequences of irresponsible driving and most of the time these people do not care about traffic laws. To prevent harm to oneself and harm of others, one must be fully aware of their surroundings at all times. This means staying alert and avoiding all distractions whether those distractions are passengers, calls, text messages, music, or even things happening outside of the car. Another way to prevent casualties on the road is to be patient with people. Sure, grandma might be driving a little slow on a one lane road, but is it really worth risking your life and the lives of others just so you can get where you are going just thirty seconds earlier than you would if you waited until she turned? Be courteous to others; this includes pedestrians, cyclists, and other people on the road.

Furthermore, the alarming rise in fatalities due to car accidents underscores the critical need for greater awareness and education regarding safe driving practices. Driver education plays a pivotal role in instilling responsible behaviors and reducing the tragic consequences associated with reckless driving. Recognizing the gravity of operating a vehicle and the immense responsibility it entails is essential. Implementing stricter enforcement of traffic laws, promoting defensive driving techniques, and advocating for public awareness campaigns are vital steps toward creating a safer driving environment. Personal experiences, including my family’s, highlight the devastating impact of irresponsible driving behaviors. Practicing defensive driving, staying alert, and exercising patience are crucial strategies for ensuring the safety of oneself and others on the road. By fostering a culture of responsibility, awareness and respect for traffic laws, we can work together to mitigate the risks and prevent needless tragedies on our roads.