The Death of Deadly Driving

Brooke Maggio

The Death of Deadly Driving

For many teenagers in America, getting a Driver’s Licenses is a rite of passage. It’s an opportunity for a new realm of freedom and independence. However, with this freedom comes responsibility and risks. In 2018, “a total of 36,560 people died in motor vehicle crashes,” in the United States alone (Fatality Facts, 2019). Each of these people are not just a statistic, but they are parents and friends and siblings and co-workers and people with real stories.

Due to the deadly risks associated with driving, driver education is vital in reducing these tragic statistics. Without proper knowledge about driving rules and safety before getting on the road, it can lead to a much greater risk of accidents. Driver education is most important for new drivers, because they are unfamiliar with operating a vehicle. Being more educated can lead to greater confidence behind the wheel, which would allow the driver to have more control of their vehicle and know how to respond effectively in emergency situations.

There are various causes of deathly car accidents, whether that be from distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, driver education courses should be required every time a driver has to renew their licenses. These courses should teach citizens how to be a defensive driver and should communicate the severe risks that come from driving improperly or impaired.

Personally, I’ve been in one minor car accident while my mom was driving. However, the accident actually occurred while we were stopped at a red light, and a truck backed into the front of our car. This accident only caused minimal damage to both vehicles, and we were able to settle the finances civilly. One time I saw my grandma driving irresponsibly, because she was trying to send a text behind the wheel. Once I noticed this, I asked if I could send the text for her so she could focus on the road.

The best way to make the roads safer is to become a better and safer driver yourself. To become a better and safer driver, I will begin to identify and change some of my bad driving habits, like checking my phone at a light, going too fast, or not leaving enough room between my car and the car ahead of me. By altering minor driving habits like these, I will become a much safer driver because I’ll minimize the risks of getting distracted and causing an accident.

To help others become safer on the road, I will speak up if I’m the passenger and see irresponsible actions by the driver. I’ll send texts for them or help them merge to another lane and just be an extra set of eyes to help create a safer driving experience. By taking these safety precautions and investing in driver’s education, the only death we’ll face is the death of deadly driving.

References

Fatality Facts 2018: Yearly snapshot. (2019, December). Retrieved from

https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/yearly-snapshot