Single Vehicle vs Multiple Lives

Lives have been changed in many different ways. From getting a job to someone dying unexpectively. It sad, terrifying, and something that has been too long ignored. Of course you hear from officers, co-workers, parents, siblings, even strangers tell you to “Drive safe.” But how many people really think about those two words. Some may say “I always am cautious of others” but how many of those people are hurt by others who don’t remain aware or take precautions before getting behind the wheel?

Being behind the wheel can start at the age of 15 here in the beehive state of Utah. From the day you turn 15 you can apply and pass a test to receive the first thing you need to become a driver legally, of course with adult supervision, a learner’s permit. Plenty of the drivers you may see on the road may be new and still learning everything that come with being behind the wheel. But this is where some issues can start. Some people will begin to drive at 15 but that also doesn’t mean they get their learners permit. Many people may not even care to get the education to get their driver’s license. They will begin to drive with no proof they understand the consequences of driving not just without a permit but without the knowledge to keep others and themselves from getting into an accident.

Utah residents can receive their license after passing a driver’s test and the written exam can officially become legal drivers. Even after this test there is still so much for new drivers to learn. A lot of drivers may not receive their license at the age of 16, it may be later on in life. But there are some big points to focus on. The dangers of bad habits. The part of the road you are driving can allow vehcile to pass you simply keep you from driving in the wrong lane of travel or simlply allowing you to not get stuck in a ditch. This goes along with controling your steering wheel or moving off the side of the road to allow emergency vehicles by and to keep you safe if your car breaks down. If you can’t stay in the lane or control your driving you can cause accidents. Other dangerous habits can include: speeding, failure to stop, shoulder and mirror checks, and even following distance. Allowing yourself to pay attention and stay safe while driving will not only prevent accidents but also fatalities. There is an average of 114 records accidents occur per day, 107 of reported accidents a day are fatal. In 2021 the daily average fatal accidents went up to 118, in 2022 it went down to 117 a day.

These fatalties are caused by a variety of things when it comes to traffic accidents. Driving under the influence (DUI) has caused not just single person accidents but it can include multiple people. These incidents can change the lives of many. The amount of damage not only to the vehicles but to loved ones who have to say goodbye. Those who drive under the influence are not just putting themselves, but also others in harm’s way. In 2022 there was 13,524 people who died due to DUI related accidents. In 2023 that number has went down to 10,511. DUI isnt the only dangerous driving, but even though its not as bad as driving under the influence it still causes plenty of death. Around 3,308 people were killed in 2022 due to distracted driving. According to National Safety Council, cell phone use while driving has caused around 1.6 million accidents. Illinois Tollway stated that 24% of all accidents in the U.S. are related to cell phone use while driving. DPS Utah Highway Safety Office says that between 2017-2022 shows that 27,514 distracted driving traffic accidents resulted in about 15,004 injured and 83 fatalities in 74 crashes. Along with distracted driving in Utah, there is 37% of adults which have admitting to falling asleep and 60% admitted to be drowsy whild driving.

Other than witnessing and receiving calls as a Police dispatcher I have experienced one of these accidents. As a high school student, age 18, I fell asleep while driving. I was a working student, attempting to keep good grades, and was apart of the high school drill team. Around an hour of driver, from home to school to work, then back home. Waking up at 4:30am to getting home around 10pm to midnight. I fell asleep while driving and didn’t even seen it coming, I never felt the exhaustion. I learned that day that I needed to be more in tune with myself. Am I tired or am I okay to drive? Driving drowsy can decrease your abiity to make and act on quick decisions, falling asleep completely can cause more than just a small accident. It can take lives, and no just yours.

These things are sad and very upsetting to think about. But they are important to all drivers, new or experienced. These are not easy things to hear, but it is our reality. Having to deal with death is in no way a good thing. But to keep in mind what you do while driving and how you feel can not only save others lives but it will put yourself away from harm. Accidents may never go down to zero but keeping it as low as possible would improve life as we know it. We need to improve bad habits and know when we feel too tired or even if we feel like we can’t drive. Our own actions can save lives of others, reporting drunk or unsafe drivers can also help reduce the risk of fatal accidents. If we can make the roads safer we could save multiple lives. One single accident can take multiple lives, but each accident is always preventable.