In the Driver’s seat

“In
the Driver’s Seat”

In
the last five years, approximately 35,000 people have died each year
because of automobile accidents. Its mind blowing to think that with
all the training and practice needed to get licenses that this many
people are killed because of accidents. The main reason for so many
incidents with cars is detractions.  According to
edgarsnyder.com about 1 in every 4 car accidents are caused by
distracted driving, specifically texting and driving. About 21% of
teen drivers involved in accidents are because of distracted driving.
While phones are the main distraction, especially for teenagers,
there are several other distractions such as eating, talking to
friends and adjusting the radio or temperature. Others causes of
automobile accidents include speeding, alcohol, and driving drowsy. 

Many
drivers say they have never driven detracted, but the truth is
everyone has at some point. A detraction, by definition, is anything
that takes a person’s attention away from the task at hand.
Anything that takes a person’s eyes off the road while driving can
lead to an accident. Fortunately, there is technology available that
can help keep drivers safe. Many cars have hands-free technology for
talking on the phone while driving and still keeping your eyes on the
road. Some other cars can send a voice text and also read a text to
the driver. It is debatable that these options can still distract the
driver, but it is a step in the right direction.

Others
believe that in an ideal world, every 5 or 10 years, licensed drivers
should take another driving test. This could help limit and prevent
the amount of deaths caused by driving mainly because it limits the
amount of people on the road driving without a license. After we all
pass the driver’s test to get our licenses at the age of 16, we
never have to pass a test again. A refresher course might be a good
idea to help remind everyone of the rules of the road. 

Another
idea would be more strict drunk driving and DUI laws, which leads to
31% of all deaths caused by driving. Drinking impairs vision and body
movements. Yes, there are many laws in place to stop people who are
drinking and driving, but one relatively new form of driving impaired
is driving high. About 20% of drivers in states where marijuana is
legal say they have driven while under the influence of drugs. If
more drivers knew the signs that another driver has been drinking or
under the influence of drugs, the correct authorities could see to
that those drivers are removed from the road. 

Throughout
the last few years, driving has become more and more dangerous with
all the new advancements in technology and bells and whistles in
cars. Many new drivers aren’t taught how to just focus on the road
and not on everything else around them. There isn’t one solution
that prevent all accidents, but removing distractions, refresher
courses and not driving impaired would definitely keep everyone safer
on the road.