Distractions and Intoxication – How They Contribute to Deaths and Crashes

Did you know that more people die each year driving than the total number of American soldiers who died overseas fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan? This tragic statistic approximates that 34,000 American lives are lost behind the wheel (DMVEdu.org 2024) per year. Distractions and intoxication play a key role in these fatalities. While a text and or being tired may seem small and insignificant in the moment, it can lead to a horrific and potentially fatal outcome for yourself or others. Examples of distractions include cell phones, smartwatches, conversations, and even pets. It is important to remember that humans are not good at nor made to multitask, so distractions need to be eliminated. When a driver first enters their car, they should immediately put their cell phone and their smartwatch out of sight. These items should be placed in a location such as a glove box, where a driver will not be tempted to lose their focus from the road and situation ahead. From experience, I can admit that it is enticing to answer a text when you see it flash on your screen or when you feel your smartwatch vibrate on your wrist. For these reasons, I urgently recommend the driver removing their smartwatch and putting their cell phone face down and away while driving, especially if the driver is lacking in experience. As a driver, when you feel the temptation to reach for your phone, you must remind yourself that anything can happen when you glance down at your phone screen, and that split second may cost you your own life or someone else’s. Conversations are another huge distraction. Sometimes getting heavily involved in a conversation can lead a driver going into autopilot, and cause them to be less in tune with their surroundings. I can guarantee that most drivers have had a moment where talking led them to taking a wrong turn or missing their exit. However, people don’t always realize that involved conversations can lead to something way worse than messing up directions. A final distraction that is not often thought of are pets. One of my family members loves to drive with her yorkie sitting next to her, and it is a hazard to both her and her dog. When pets are in the car, the proper precautions should be taken for the safety of the driver and pet. Pets should be comfortably strapped to a seat, preferably in the back row, to prevent injury in case of an accident. Pets should not be in an unsecure location, such as on the dash or almost entirely sitting out of the window. Petting your dog while driving can cause a driver paying more attention to the dog than the road. Technology of any kind, talking, and pets both act as major distractions to drivers. Intoxication has another impact on road safety. Drugs, alcohol, and sleepiness all contribute to poor judgement, decreased reaction time, and impaired focus. It is crucial that people plan to have a designated driver when drinking is involved and that drivers do not hit the road with little sleep. Coffee, splashing your face with cold water, and exercise cannot help fix driving performance in times of fatigue. The only thing that can fix fatigue is to get adequate sleep, specifically 7-8 hours. With smart and responsible choices, situations of tragedy can be reduced. To keep myself and others safe on the road, I vow to follow my own advice. My grandfather made a clever remark when my mom first started driving and she shared it with me when I got my learner’s permit. It goes as follows, “A car is like a gun. If you don’t know what you’re doing or how to use it, you can kill yourself and others”. I thought this quote accurately demonstrates not just the destruction that driving can cause, but the significance of receiving a proper driver’s education and knowing one’s vehicle inside and out. A driver must be willing to learn, keep themselves in line, and make responsible decisions. These duties also hold true for passengers. If they notice unsafe actions conducted by the driver, they should politely tell the driver. Drivers must also remember that driving is not a right; it is an earned privilege that can be taken away and should never be taken for granted. It is your responsibility to protect yourself, those in the car with you, pedestrians, and those in cars surrounding you. Their fate is in your hands.