Responsible Driving Can Save Lives

Veronica Garcia

Responsible Driving Can Save lives

Many students that are reaching the age of 16 are ready to jump into their car and get driving down the road. However, it is not as simple as that. So much more goes into the process of driving and the education part is the most important. Teaching young adults how makes for safe and educated drivers.

As a young child I lost my father because of a drunk driver. He was driving from work late one night but never made it home. A drunk driver was responsible for him untimely death. I believe that as an ode to my dad I take the responsibility every day for getting into the drivers seat and being the best driver I can be. This means that I put my phone away from my reach, I keep my eyes on the road, I drive at a reasonable speed limit and most importantly I always make sure that nothing I have done before getting into my care can impair my ability to drive safely.

According to Pew Research, One in three teens ages 16-17 say that they have texted while driving. Texting and driving is one of the most dangerous acts that can be committed while driving (Madden & Lenhart, Teens and Distracted Driving: Major Findings 2019). In 2008 at least 5,870 fatalities occurred where the driver was reported to have been distracted while driving. Not to mentioned that a whopping 515,000 more were injured these numbers are directly related to those 20 years and younger (Madden & Lenhart, Teens and Distracted Driving: Major Findings 2019)

Some steps we can take to reduce the amount of accidents related to distracted driving is firstly offer driver’s education in all high school either free of charge or at a discounted rate. Many of us learn from parents, friends, or sibling wh may not be the best teachers. Secondly, I propose that all cellphone implement Do Not Disturb while driving. The ringer on phones is such a dopamine inducing sound that the idea of not knowing who is calling us is almost unbearable. However, if all cellphones automatically go into this “Do not disturb“ and silence any notifications then we can save many lives. Lastly, I believe that implementing “SOS” functions in all new model vehicles could potentially save lives as well. Most young teenagers state that they don’t put their phone out of reach because what if there is an emergency. Well, placing an SOS function in cars by a simple push of a button could convince young drivers to keep their phone out their hands and away from the reach.

As someone who knows the pain of loosing a parent because of unsafe driving, I strongly believe that this is a matter that needs to be addressed. No one should loose a loved one because of irresponsibility. So, next time you reach for your phone while driving, think about the people who you could be saving by waiting.

Citations:

Madden, M., & Lenhart, A. (2019, December 31). Teens and Distracted Driving: Major Findings. Retrieved October 07, 2020, from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2009/11/16/teens-and-distracted-driving-major-findings/