Driving Toward Safety

Driving is a vital part of modern life for many, but unfortunately, it comes with a dark side. Motor vehicle accidents!! Every year, thousands of people die in car crashes, many of which could have been prevented. As a high school student, I’ve seen firsthand how dangerous driving can be, and I know that some of the biggest risks are young drivers like myself. So, what can we do to reduce the number of deaths related to driving? I believe better education, stricter laws, and safer driving habits can significantly help in reducing driving related deaths.

One of the first and most important steps to reducing deaths related to driving is improving driver education. Many accidents happen because drivers don’t fully understand the risks involved or don’t know how to react in dangerous situations. I believe this is on High schools and driving schools, who can do more to teach students not just how to pass the driving test, but how to drive safely. For example, drivers should be taught the importance of keeping a safe distance from the car in front of them and how to handle bad weather conditions. More practice with defensive driving skills, like avoiding distractions and knowing how to react when an emergency happens, could save lives.

Additionally, educating people about the dangers of distracted driving is crucial. Many of us, especially teenagers, are guilty of texting or checking social media while driving, or even just changing the music and eating, which takes our attention away from the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting while driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. Schools can provide more awareness programs and invite guest speakers to teach students about the risks of distracted driving and how to stay focused on the road. We need to make it clear that looking at our phones or being distracted in any way can have deadly consequences, and our phone can wait.

Another way to reduce driving deaths is by enforcing stricter laws for young drivers. Many crashes are caused by inexperience, and while most teens are eager to get their licenses, they don’t always have the skills or maturity to drive safely. Here in Hawaii, I know many teens that are driving by themselves already but only have a permit. Graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems, which have already been proven effective in some states, help by placing restrictions on teen drivers during the first few months or years of driving. These laws can limit the number of passengers allowed in the car, restrict driving at night, and even enforce a zero tolerance policy for alcohol use. By gradually increasing the privileges and responsibilities of young drivers, GDL systems give them time to build experience without putting themselves or others at risk.

In addition to stricter laws, there needs to be tougher penalties for dangerous behaviors. For example, laws around driving under the influence (DUI) need to be enforced more strictly. Drunk driving remains a huge problem and I see it a lot. It doesn’t just affect the person behind the wheel, but also puts everyone on the road in danger. Zero tolerance laws for alcohol consumption for drivers under 21 could help discourage drunk driving. As a teenager, I’ve heard too many stories of people getting behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs, thinking they’re fine to drive, but they’re not. More severe consequences, like higher fines, longer license suspensions, or mandatory alcohol education programs, could help prevent these dangerous actions.

Another step that could reduce deaths is improving road conditions. Poor road design, bad weather, and inadequate signage can make driving more dangerous, especially for new or less experienced drivers. Local governments and cities need to invest in better infrastructure, like repairing roads, adding more signs, and improving street lighting. Roads need to be well maintained to ensure that drivers can navigate them safely, especially during rain or snow. Going into college I plan on majoring in Civil Engineering, and maybe I’ll be able to design safer roads to reduce these situations.

Lastly, it’s important to recognize that we, as drivers, also have a responsibility to be careful and considerate on the road. It’s easy to forget the risks when we’re in a rush, but speeding, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic signals can result in life altering consequences. We need to lead by example and practice good driving habits. Also, drivers need to make sure that they always wear seatbelts because even if you are driving safely, others may not and in worse-case scenarios, not wearing that seatbelt could cost you your life. Always obeying traffic laws, and avoiding distractions are small but essential steps we can take every time we get in the car to avoid

In conclusion, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. First, improving driver education can help young people understand the risks and learn the skills they need to stay safe. Second, stricter laws and enforcement, like graduated driver licensing and tougher penalties for dangerous driving behaviors, can help keep young drivers safe. Third, better road conditions can further reduce the chances of accidents. Finally, we all need to be responsible drivers who prioritize safety. If we all work together, we can help make the roads safer and reduce the number of deaths caused by driving!