Keeping the Roads Safe: Education, Enforcement and Awareness

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the US Department of Transportation, “An estimated 18,720 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, a decrease of about 3.2% as compared to 19,330 fatalities projected to have occurred in the first half of 2023.” While this reduction is encouraging, nearly 19,000 deaths on U.S. roadways are unacceptable and requires changes to be made in order to prevent more fatalities from occurring. Several laws and legislation have taken place with success in slowing the fatality rate, with continuous measures such as driver education,law enforcement and promotion of good driving habits are all critical in lowering the number of deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents. This essay will explore how these elements contribute to making roads safer.

Driver education has been the basis of traffic safety for decades. In the 1960’s “more than 13,000 schools were offering driver education programs to over 1.7 million students” (Stack,1966). Having this much access to driver education programs helped raise awareness about the risks associated with driving and the importance of safe driving practices. In Utah, for example, the requirements that drivers need in order to obtain a driver’s license are “… that you possess the basic skills, knowledge, and abilities to maneuver a vehicle safely in compliance with Utah State Traffic Rules and Regulations.” (Utah Department of Public Safety, 2024) This ensures that new drivers are well prepared to handle various driving situations. Additionally, driving courses are available for drivers who have accumulated points on their license due to violating traffic laws. These courses are designed to teach participants how to anticipate and react to potential hazards, promoting safe driving behavior. As the Utah Driving Council (2024) points out, defensive driving programs help drivers understand the personal consequences of their actions and encourage responsibility behind the wheel.

Enforcement of legislation through the police force is one way in which we can reduce the number of deaths on the road. Around 32% of all fatal accidents in the United States are caused by drivers who are under the influence, highlighting a need for law enforcement to prevent drunk drivers from harming others. In 2023, Utah law enforcement made approximately 11,000 DUI related arrests with 79% arrests being convicted (Utah DUI Report 2023). Penalizing drivers for reckless behavior as well as driving under the influence not only takes drivers off of the road while in a state of impairment, it deters drivers from driving under the influence before they get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Law Enforcement agencies also prevent deaths on the road by providing education about the dangers of impaired driving. Programs like D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) focus on educating students about the risks of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs and how to resist peer pressure” (D.A.R.E., 1995). By targeting young people, these programs aim to prevent impaired driving behaviors before they begin by reducing the long term risk of fatal accidents.

Good driving habits allow people to make good decisions when on the road. One personal example shows how simple actions can make a big difference: my parents were driving in snowy conditions, when they approached an intersection. Knowing that the icy roads would require more time to stop, they began slowing down much sooner than they would normally at a traffic stop. However, the car behind them did not slow down in time and rear ended their vehicle. While the damage was minor, it could have been much worse if they had been closer to the intersection, potentially leading to a more dangerous situation. Thankfully, there was no major damage, however it did cause an inconvenience for everyone involved. An awareness of the weather conditions may have prevented any sort of damage.

This example shows the importance of understanding road conditions and adjusting one’s driving. When roads are slick or visibility is poor, drivers need to reduce their speed and increase their following distance. Drivers who are educated on how to respond to these conditions are less likely to be involved in accidents. Additionally, having a general awareness of traffic laws, street signs and pedestrian signals is critical. Whether driving or walking, understanding how to safely navigate the roadways can prevent a wide range of accidents and fatalities

Despite a slight decline in traffic fatalities, nearly 19,000 deaths per year is still too high. Driver education, law enforcement, and good driving habits are essential tools in reducing these fatalities. By ensuring that drivers are well educated, traffic laws are enforced and individuals practice safe driving behaviors, we can significantly reduce the number of lives lost in motor vehicle crashes. While progress has been made, continued effort is necessary to ensure that futures experience safer roadways and fewer tragic deaths.