Staying Focused on Safe Driving

“Stay focused, stay on top, so you can win,” is a small but meaningful phrase my grandfather has ingrained into me for as long as I can remember. This powerful mantra has been the solution to my various obstacles, from enduring senior year to managing my health and emotional well-being, and now as a guiding principle in my safe driving practices. As a whole this phrase explains that life is full of distractions intended to divert your attention and the only way to succeed is by staying focused, so you can stay on top and thrive in every aspect of life. Not only through academics has this phrase been present in my life as stated, living hours from our family in Mobile, Alabama, my mother and I often embarked on long road trips, our second home. It was during these journeys that I began to view this phrase differently.

Distracted driving is the process of engaging in activities that take a person’s attention away from driving, increasing the chance of a crash or, in other words, the act of multitasking while operating a vehicle–– an action many brag about but has proven to be a misnomer as the human body is unable to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Although with good intentions, distracted driving can range from simple tasks such as attempting to soothe your crying sibling in the back seat, answering a phone call from your parent, wearing airpods to listen to music while driving, choosing to drive sleepily after a long day of school, or even taking certain medications such as anxiety, allergy, or pain relievers. These actions lessen the functions of at least one of our essential senses. All of our senses play an important role in ensuring safe, free of distraction driving, alerting us of potential hazards both outside and inside our vehicles. With that being said, knowing the outcome of distracted driving, and how it can be prevented by preparing for controllable events such as music and carefully adjusting for the unpreparable, why do so many choose to drive distracted? I believe drivers struggle to focus solely on driving as life is never ending and takes no halt to allow preparation for events. People also take on many responsibilities at once which makes it difficult to handle life task by task which can increase the chance that while driving mistakes will be made. Additionally, in this age people have a hard time detaching from their phones due to a lack of adapted focus, fear of missing out, and the blurred line between sufficiency and excess. In this generation, everything related to our future is just a tap away—news updates, school assignments, and even food delivery. For decades, my mom has been an experienced driver, confidently navigating the roads even while distracted. Yet, she is often preoccupied scrolling through social media and fiddling with gadgets in the car boasting that shes been doing this longer than ive been alive, and the task of driving seems to come secondary. Despite this, she never fails to remind me to “drive safely,” “avoid texting while driving,” and “keep your eyes on the road,” and “drive for everyone.” But her words of caution often fail to serve their purpose and instead highlights her hypocrisy prompting me to reflect: since our habits are influenced heavily by the actions of our parents, if they were to lead by example and practice what they preach, would it not better reinforce the importance of safe driving for the younger generation? This convenience has diminished our patience and deepened our reliance on technology. Additionally, as more children are exposed to technology from an earlier age, breaking free from these addictive habits becomes increasingly challenging as they become older with heavier responsibilities like operating vehicles. But not impossible by adopting better habits.

In a technology dominated society, apps like Life360 have grown popular and I believe are a great tool to put an end to distracted driving. Not only do these apps allow location sharing, it also has many features that encourage safe driving practices and allows family and friends to monitor them. They alerts users of crashes in the case of abrupt stops, reports individual driver trips with real time speedometer tracking, and can alert emergency assistance. These apps serve their purpose and do it well. With the continuation of downloads and advertisements of apps like such a drastic decrease in the amount of distracted driving can result, making our roads safer. To make this dream a reality it would require collaboration between apps and service providers like Verizon to create incentive programs for drivers rewarding them points for safe drives––which could reduce the stigma associated with tracking apps and add an element of excitement to trips. Points earned could be redeemed for discounts on phone plans or towards a new phone. Conversely, to combat the distraction of using devices while driving the apps could also penalize drivers for unnecessary device usage by increasing their monthly bill slightly or by requiring drivers to take a safe driving course after so many violations. While the few cents might not seem significant initially, eventually it will accumulate and cause drivers to be attentive.

Moreover, as a young adult with personal experience as a student within the health science community, a great way to prevent my peers and others from driving distracted is by holding annual mock traumas within highschools and the community––before events like prom or 4th of July, when many drivers are on the road. Mock traumas, usually used for health professionals to assess the delivery of medical treatment, is a training education exercise simulating real-life trauma scenarios in a controlled environment. During typical mock traumas, trained medical personnel assume the roles of health professionals, providing treatment to patients in critical condition. In this case to illustrate the dangers of distracted driving, the mock trauma scenario would simulate a car crash or multiple collisions. Prior to the event, a script detailing the individuals involved, their aspirations, and identities should be read to emphasize to the community that distracted driving impacts real people with real lives and highlights how swiftly it can change everything. Further, to enhance the delivery of the mock trauma, those with a theater or drama background will immerse themselves in character, dressing up with special effects makeup to simulate injuries and using props to depict impalement, heightening the authenticity of the scenario. Mock trauma’s can involve numerous participants, which is why it would be a perfect community event–– bystanders, victims, children, with parental consent, etc. can all play an impactful role. Overall, this event will raise awareness and offer the community firsthand experience of its dangers, which is crucial because many believe they’re immune to such incidents; however, nobody is exempt from the risks. With partnership from the local fire department, CPR teams, community, etc. the trauma will have the impact necessary to deter drivers from driving distracted and as a result reduce the number of deaths caused by it.

Still, according to the CDC, an overwhelming, “… 3,000 will die because of distracted driving in 2024.” This is understandable as driving is a daunting task, and people often forget that our vehicles are powerful weapons when used carelessly, but by understanding these distracted behaviors, their consequences, adopting measures that encourage safe driving, and listening to the wise reminders of your parents the dangers of distracted driving can be greatly reduced.