Reducing Deaths Due to Driving

Driver education is a major factor in reducing the number of deaths due to driving. Without proper instruction, an average will be ill prepared for what he or she might experience on the road. In addition to the knowledge gained from a driving course, a driver must also develop effective strategies and methods for dealing with distractions while driving, some of which would be using phones, snacking, or applying makeup at the wheel. It is imperative that proper precautions be taken to ensure that deaths due to driving where a driver or occupant is the cause are minimized, or even eliminated.

Of those in my family who have been in car accidents, all of them have described accidents as physically, emotionally, and financially stressful. According to bankrate.com, car insurance rates increase by about 34 percent on average with every accident or incident involving damaged property. In certain situations, lawsuits can also be incurred, which will bring about further financial decline. Accidents also increase the likelihood of developing or worsening mental health issues, according to myerslegal.com, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Considering that around 34,000 people die as a result of driving every year, according to the DMV, we can see that car crashes significantly affect not only you, but thousands more in America quite often. Effective strategies and education can and will go a long way towards reducing the deaths and injuries caused by driving.

To reduce car accidents, and consequently driver injuries, drivers must develop better habits relating to distractions and responsibility – for example, if you have a phone that can be set to “Do not Disturb While Driving,” do so every time you start your car, as this mode silences texts and other notifications while informing the sender that you are driving. This would reduce the number of accidents due to distracted driving in general, as well as the 1 in every 4 accidents relating to texting while driving, according to edgarsnyder.com. However, distractions extend beyond simply using the phone while driving – According to the CDC, everything from changing the radio station to eating are distractions, and these are obviously preventable. Passengers, the CDC states, can also help the driver by reminding him or her to focus on the road as well as assisting with less-essential actions. To sum up, drivers should develop certain good habits and abstain from other, more distracting ones, thereby reducing their likelihood of being at fault upon getting in an accident.

Driver vigilance and staying alert are the final and most important part of remaining safe while driving. Distractions aside, in order to avoid a car crash, the driver must be alert enough to notice things like another car running a red light, or someone else drifting out of their lane and into yours. Therefore, to maintain the highest level of safety on the road and remove yourself from all possible blame should you end up in a crash, remain alert and distraction free by taking proactive action.