Tackling Distracted driving

Road safety is a concern not only in the U.S. but worldwide, with many issues endangering the lives of our loved ones. Distracted driving stands out as a significant and growing threat to people today. There are many ways people can contribute to dealing with distracted driving and help change legislation that could better road safety by addressing distracted driving.

Distracted driving, due to the widespread use of phones, has become a problem on our roads. Drivers scrolling, calling, or texting behind the wheel are diverting their attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents and potentially killing themselves and others. From personal experience, I know how dangerous distracted driving can be. I was in my cousin’s car at the time driving back from a fun day at the beach. She was driving while responding to a text and changing the music which caused us to rear end another car on the freeway. I will never get in a car with her again because of how traumatized I am. Individuals can play a critical role in reducing distracted driving by learning responsible behaviors. Drivers should not be using their phones while driving. This can be achieved by putting phones on silent mode or storing them out of reach while on the road. They have made apps to silence your phone while driving. Using hands-free devices for emergency calls can minimize distractions. Teaching family members and friends about the dangers of distracted driving and encouraging them to be responsible enough to care about their own lives or the lives of others. By setting a good example and promoting awareness, individuals can help start a culture of safety on the roads today.

Community involvement also makes a significant impact on reducing distracted driving. Local organizations can conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of using phones while driving as well as the consequences if caught. Schools can incorporate road safety education into their curriculum, ensuring that young people understand the importance of staying focused while driving. Community efforts, such as advocating for better signage and creating designated areas for phone use, can also enhance safety.

Changes to the law are needed to create a safer driving environment by addressing distracted driving. One potential change is stricter penalties for distracted driving. Increasing fines and imposing mandatory education programs for offenders could deter this dangerous behavior. Another legislative change could fund the introduction of technology that disables phone functions while a vehicle is in motion. laws mandating the use of advanced safety technologies in vehicles, such as lane departure warnings and collision avoidance systems, can help prevent accidents caused by distracted driving, but shouldn’t be relied on. Cars with autopilot make fatal mistakes every day causing someone their life.

In conclusion, distracted driving is a significant threat to road safety that requires a combination of responsibility, community involvement, and legislative action. By promoting responsible behaviors, awareness, and change for stricter penalties and advanced safety technologies, we can make our streets safer for everyone. I find it very heartbreaking for both sides going through a tough time with losing a loved one or ones, for a simple negligent action that can be avoided with the knowledge and awareness of the dangers and consequences it comes with. I feel the survivors of this careless act will be the best advocates for changes in the way we drive today. From their stories and experience, we can see and choose to not gamble with our own or our passenger’s lives as a text or changing the music isn’t the equivalent to someone losing their life. I myself will not care to follow social norms of not caring about being consumed by my phone because my life is worth more than just one text. Being safe on the road not only saves you and your passengers but also the other families and cars on the road that we never care to think about. Some people ruin their own lives in an instant and regret not paying attention when driving when they get charged with multiple crimes the scariest one being vehicular manslaughter with the rest of their life behind bars. Most of those people will never see daylight again. So today I want all of you to vow to be more cautious when driving and to pay attention to what you are doing on the road even if you get bored be the bigger person and acknowledge the dangers.