Creating Safer Roads For All

Creating Safer Roads For All by Jaeouk Cho

Driving is a privilege, not a right. Although anyone can earn their driver’s license and buy a car, the act of driving should be approached with care and consideration. After all, driving accidents result in an average of 34,000 American deaths per year. There are a number of ways to prevent these needless deaths, from driver education, stricter enforcement, and better road design.

When I was completing driving school, I remember a distinct lack of focus on the highly dangerous nature of cars. Sure, we were drilled on the many different rules and etiquettes of the road, but the importance of being in control of a huge machine was not as prioritized. Thus, I believe that driver education curriculum should be updated to drill home the importance of driving with care and respect for others on the road. Presenting relevant numbers such as the eye-opening 34,000 deaths caused just by car accidents will give students proof that car accidents are not overexaggerated. I believe inviting people who have experienced bad effects from a car accident to speak (if they are willing) would be another great addition to driver education. Students seeing a real person share their story will hopefully inspire and motivate them to be vigilant once they are behind the driver’s wheel.

One of the most effective ways to prevent car-related deaths is by stricter enforcement. Yes, the laws around impaired driving are much better than they were even a decade ago, but more needs to be done. This may be bold, but I would introduce a one-year ban on driving for an impaired-driving charge. In these cases, there is no need for a second chance, because there has been enough awareness raised on the dangers of drunk driving. If a person is willing, in this day and age, to risk their safety and more importantly the safety of others, they should pay a harsh price. As I said, driving is a privilege, and that privilege should be taken away without second thought for those that abuse the privilege.

More funds need to go into infrastructure repair/redesign. We need to make our roads safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. We need to think of solutions that make roads less congested, cleaner, and in better repair. There must be a lower speed limit on all roads, which is strictly enforced by law enforcement. When all users of the road feel safe and accounted for, is when we will see car-related deaths shoot down.

Thankfully, I have not been involved in a car accident. However, my mom was in a relatively serious accident a couple decades ago. She suffered injuries to her shoulder, and although it could have been more serious, she is still feeling the effects today. The accident was not her fault; rather, it was the other party that swerved into her lane, causing the two cars to collide. There are many basic solutions to prevent car accidents, some of which are to drive while fully aware/awake, make sure there are no distractions around you (phone use), and to make sure the car is in good working order. I believe taking the simplest of precautions will prevent needless deaths.