43,000

On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz patented “the vehicle powered by a gas engine” thus giving life to the first ever automobile. Since then, fantastic new brands have emerged with cars in a variety of models, makes, features and colors. With cars in a variety of models, features and colors numerous fantastic new brands have emerged since then. Millions if not thousands of people drive these cars across America’s highway systems every day. Unfortunately, not every family is able to travel safely from point A to point B. On average, approximately 43,000 automobile related deaths a year. That means at least 43,000 families, and more, every year face the grief and pain of an unexpected death of their loved one.

By driving safely and responsibly we can all work together as drivers to gradually reduce these numbers. Since cars were more widely available to people of all ages there has been a discernible increase in the number of automotive-related fatalities in cities since the early 1900s. Since teens and young adults began to drive there has been a general concern to teach these drivers how to make responsible decisions. In order to license and instruct high school students in safe driving, Professor Amos Neyhart of Penn State University created drivers’ education for the first time in the United States in1934. Since then, states have implemented additional initiatives and established driver’s education laws.

Although the three days to a week-long classroom component may seem lengthy and intimidating, its profound impact is what is left deeply ingrained. Students who enroll in drivers’ education courses learn all the laws and guidelines required to drive safely and protect other people. Some of the most important include not driving while impaired, putting phones away, and following all the signs and signals. Without the repeated emphasis on the importance of following the rules, young students would blatantly ignore them out of convenience. A driver’s education works to prepare students for any and every situation possible, as well as shows real life examples of the consequences that arise when the rules are not followed.

Once we leave the classroom, it is up to us to choose whether or not to abide by the rules. In order to take a collective stance to lower the death rates, we have to practice what we learn. When anyone of any legal age gets behind the wheel, they should make sure they remember to put their phones away. Texting while driving not only splits our attention from the road, but it also impairs our reaction time and breeds recklessness. Your first instinct would be to break if someone were to suddenly break in front of you. This would save not only your own life but also the lives of those in front of and behind you. We lose that instant reaction and situational awareness when we are using our phones. Under the same circumstances there would be a collision that might cause several fatalities.

Drunk driving or driving while high is dangerous to you and everyone else on the road. When our brains are under the influence our reaction time, muscle coordination, and decision-making skills are slowed down significantly. When someone is in an impaired state, they could easily run red lights, run off the road, and speed which could all lead to the death of the drivers and others. It is important that we put all distractions away when we get on the road. This includes putting our phones on silent and away completely.et distracted. This includes making sure that we never get behind the wheel influenced, or in the car with someone who is driving while under the influence. This includes turning down the music sometimes or telling the other passengers to lower their voices so that you don’t get distracted.

Fortunately, I have never been in a car accident, and I sincerely hope I never will be. On the other hand, I have witnessed many of my friends and peers drive carelessly and even witness the results. A child was struck by a peer of mine who would frequently exceed the speed limit while driving in residential areas. The child’s parents sued her as a result, and she spent the second half of her senior year attending classes and appearing in court. She was temporarily barred from driving and lost precious time with friends and family. A person was injured as a result of her decision to speed this time. It could be fatal the next time.

As I continue to learn and gain experience, I will practice safe and responsible driving, and I hope others do so as well. The first thing I do when I drive is put my phone on, do not disturb mode and turn on any navigation if necessary and put it within my line of sight so that I don’t have to look down or sideways for directions. Making sure I am driving the speed limit and not exceeding it by more than a mile or two is another precaution I take. One rule I live by and advise others to follow is to never feel under pressure to move more quickly. Simply change lanes and let the car pass, if it is attempting to overtake you at a faster speed. This avoids any risk of a collision. Furthermore, upon entering your vehicle make sure to examine all of the important symbols located on the dashboard. Knowing the meaning of each symbol, such as whether your brake light is on, whether you need to fill up the gas tank or, whether your tire pressure is adequate will help you pay attention to any alerts that these symbols may be sending your way. Lastly, always remember to buckle up both you and your passengers. When you wear a seatbelt, you can avoid serious injuries even in the event of an accident. The instant the car stops accelerating, the seat belt will instantly stop our bodies from moving.

If we all can follow these seemingly simple steps, pay attention to the important rules and regulations we learn in driver’s education, and adhere to the traffic laws, we can significantly reduce the number of fatalities related to auto accidents. As I mentioned before, over 43,000 families experience the heartbreak of losing a loved one in a car accident each year. It is up to each individual who chooses to get behind the wheel to decide whether or not to drive safely and legally. As a group we can reduce the death rate from 43000 to a significantly lower number if each of us does our share.