Addressing the threat of driving related fatalities

Jaylon Brooks

11-25-20

Word Count: 1090

Addressing the threat of driving related fatalities

Each year, more than 38,000 US citizens die from car crashes, with the rate of serious injury being 4.4 million. The vast majority of these deaths are from teen drivers; who are nearly four times as likely to get into a car crash as drivers 20 and older. This is because teens are naturally predisposed to reckless, risk-taking behavior, and this extends to driving. Texting, speeding, or drinking while driving are fairly common occurrences among teens that frequently lead to car crashes. Not all the blame can be placed on their shoulders however, drivers across all ages are known to indulge in these reckless behaviors and it is the reason driving related fatalities are such a problem in the US.

This is precisely why quality driver education is so important, being the only sure way to reduce the rate of car crash fatalities. Graduated licensing gives new drivers the opportunity to gain much needed experience behind the wheel, learn every rule of the road, as well as the meaning behind each traffic sign, tips on what to do when driving during various weather conditions, and just general information that all drivers need to know. The graduated licensing system is broken down into three stages, that every aspiring driver must complete consecutively in order to become a fully fledged driver. The exact rules vary by state but in general, one must first obtain a permit (granted you aren’t over 18), after passing a two-part test on the applicant’s knowledge of the general road rules and different traffic signs. After which, they’ll be allowed to drive, though only under the direct supervision of a licensed driver.

Once this permit has been retained for over a year without the driver being involved in any accidents, they are clear to enter the second stage. It is at this point that the test on actual physical driving capability occurs. Provided the permit holder completes their road test and meets the instructor’s specifications, they will receive a passing score as well as their provisional class D license. At this point they’ve entered into the final portion of the process and must now once again maintain an accident free driving record for at least a year to receive their class C license and become a fully fledged driver.

The point of this lengthy explanation is to outline just how varied and thorough the process to obtaining a driver’s license is, thanks to graduated licensing and driver’s education programs. It is in this way that driver education succeeds at reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. The process to obtaining a license is a long one, featuring many different tests and qualifications; this weeds out all but the most diligent, before educating those in this group on each and every aspect of driving rules and regulations. By the end of all this, new license holders have been taught thoroughly how to drive safely and as such, become responsible drivers. Driver education creates safer drivers that take less risks when on the road, which in turn reduces the number of driving related deaths.

There are several basic steps taught to all drivers during the acquisition of their licenses that can be taken to help reduce the car accident death toll. Never neglecting to wear a seatbelt whenever riding or driving in a vehicle for example, following this simple rule vastly increases the probability of surviving any car accident, as not wearing one increases the likelihood of being sent flying through the windshield. There’s also the rule of not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as doing so impairs one’s ability to react and make good decisions, thereby adversely affecting their driving ability and increasing the probability of getting into a car crash. Finally there’s making sure to not text or interact with your phone in any way while driving; glancing at your phone for even a second while driving takes your attention away from the road, which can be disastrous. Drivers not abiding by these three rules are some of the chief causes behind driving fatalities in the US. Opting to take the steps listed here when driving could reduce the rate of driving related deaths.

When it comes to personal experiences with irresponsible driving and car crashes, the most recent case happened about two years ago when I was being driven to an interview in afternoon traffic through a large business district. The car in which I rode was a large black Yukon, and we ended up t-boning another driver when a large white work truck shot right in front of us while we were driving down this four-lane road. Fortunately, other than being whipped across the face by airbags everyone in each car came out of the collision alright. The other driver admitted that he hadn’t been paying attention while he attempted to cross and honestly hadn’t seen us coming. This incident taught me about the dangers of inattentiveness while on the road, as well as just how easily and quickly a car accident can occur. The experience also served to really drive home the importance of wearing a seat belt when driving or riding in a vehicle, as I was able to feel myself jerk forward with great speed and force after the initial impact and could definitely see myself instead flying into or through the car windshield at the time had I not worn it.

Something that I myself can do while driving to become a safer driver and help others to do the same would be to first follow every traffic law established by my state. Following those rules would decrease my chances of getting into any issues with the law, as this could potentially result in my license being revoked and doing what I can to avoid this makes me a safer driver. In particular, I would avoid any behaviors that would impair my ability to drive effectively; drinking alcohol or taking any drugs before getting behind the wheel, speeding, neglecting to wear a seatbelt, and allowing my phone to take my attention from the road for even an instant. By following these rules I could potentially inspire any license carrying passengers in my vehicle and other drivers who notice me out on the road to do the same and work to become safer drivers. I believe that the actions I take while driving and the resulting domino effect of impacting other drivers could help to reduce the rate of deaths as a result of driving.