Think, Why Die?

“Think, Why Die?” This phrase may be simple and insignificant to some, somewhat of an “ok, anyways” situation. But to others, this phrase means the loss of a friend, a peer, or a loved one. Originally created to inform the dangers of drinking and driving, this phrase later transformed into a memorial for those who have lost their lives while driving, whether it be from lack of seatbelt, distracted driving, even caused by other motorists. On one side of the sign, the word “Think!” is written in bold, and on the other side: “Why die?” Finally, the top of the sign is capped with a red X, symbolizing the exact moment and location the motorist took their last breaths. Since 1979, these signs have grown more common around the state of South Dakota, marking the increasing dangers of driving. However, these signs represent only a fraction of fatal motor accidents around the United States every year. While driving fatalities may be accidents, the prevention happens purposefully. Today, we’ll first look into reducing driver fatalities as a result of increased driver education. Then, we’ll speed into a few steps that can be taken to prevent deaths due to driving. Next, we’ll look at the blind spots of a few personal experiences relating to driving. Finally, by pumping the brakes, we’ll observe personal ways to keep others safe on the road.

Driver’s education is crucial to keeping motorists safe during their commutes. One of the most substantial causes of crashes, especially in young drivers, is distracted driving. The National Institutes of Health observes, “In the United States, about 6% of drivers are fifteen to twenty years old, but they’re involved in about 10% of deadly car accidents and 13% of police-reported crashes that cause injury. Past studies suggest that doing something else while driving—such as eating, talking on the phone, or texting—raises the risk of a crash.” A study done by The National Institutes of Health in June of 2024 observed both novices and experienced drivers on the road. The results of their study were less than shocking; novice drivers were put at a greater risk while distracted than inexperienced drivers. They quote, “compared to when they weren’t engaged in distracting tasks, novice teen drivers were eight times more likely to crash or have a near miss when dialing a phone; seven to eight times more likely when reaching for a phone or other object; almost four times more likely when texting; and three times more likely when eating.” To simplify, novice drives pose a greater risk for both themselves and others while distracted on the road. By educating drivers, especially novices, about the dangers of distracted driving, the risk of crashes will decrease and therefore increase the prevention of death.

Alongside educating drivers of the dangers of distracted driving, informing motorists of traffic laws boosts their knowledge of ways to stay safe while on the road. An article highlights the purpose of traffic laws, and exemplifies why they are so important to safety on the road. They state, “The primary aim of traffic laws is to safeguard lives and reduce accidents. By defining rules for how vehicles should move and interact, traffic laws aim to minimize risks on the road.” While many traffic laws may seem negligible, they are put in place to prevent accidents, which therefore, in the long run, prevents death.

Accidents happen every day, but what steps can be taken to avoid them? Noticed in especially younger drivers, parents play a massive role in learning to drive. We all remember a time when we were younger when we threw a tantrum because we didn’t want to sit in the car seat, fought with our siblings about who got to sit shotgun, and told our parents to “chill out” when we first started learning to drive. All the while, we were observing the actions our parents were doing while they themselves were handling the vehicle. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia suggests, “If parents model dangerous behaviors while driving, it will be very hard to convince teens not to follow their lead.” They follow up, stating, “researchers found that teen drivers receive the most calls from their parents, more than general calling patterns would suggest.” Parents are constantly nagging at their children to stay safe while on the road, yet they model actions that are contrary to their words. If parents begin to step up and follow what they say, it is likely that their children will begin to model their behavior and stay safer on the roads.

In addition to parents nagging their children to stay safe, they can inform their children of the importance of vehicle maintenance in accordance with safety. Melrose Law calls attention to the relationship between malfunctioning vehicles and road safety. These malfunctions can be as simple as a leaking fluid, to as severe as worn out tires or faulty brakes. Even the slightest flaw in a vehicle can lead to considerable damage in the future. Drivers being informed about defects in their vehicles can ensure their safety in time.

As a high school senior, I’ve witnessed a fair share of accidents. From fender benders to hit and runs, students are getting into accidents nearly every week. While most of these were accidents, many could have been avoided if students simply paid more attention to what they were doing. In addition to trivial bumps in the school parking lot, a fatal accident occurred just miles from where I live just a few weeks ago. The two men were driving down a gravel road late at night, when the vehicle veered into the ditch and rolled. Due to their lack of seatbelts, both men were thrown from the vehicle. One died on scene, the other passed away later in the hospital. For days, there were cars parked outside of the scene, although there was nothing to be observed. If the two men had simply been wearing their seatbelts, the two families would have been spared the heartbreak.

On a less gloomy note, safe driving is something that can be advocated for by everyone. Peer pressure is a major influence in everyone’s life, but is typically viewed negatively in terms of driving. However, peer pressure can be used in a positive sense as well. Driving schools possess a few ways in which people can influence their peers to drive safely. By setting clear boundaries before driving and educating friends about the dangers of distracted driving, people can influence their peers to implement safe driving techniques into their lives and the lives of others.

To recap, while driving fatalities may be accidents, the prevention happens purposefully. While commuting to activities from day to day, I often pass the “think, why die?” signs all over my hometown. The signs truly make me think of what the victim was going through, and the tragedy it brought to the family and friends. So, the next time you receive a text while driving, think, why die?