Driving Deaths: Irresponsibility Gives The Possibility

Death. An inevitable reality that is a result of being human. We cannot cheat death but can we prevent it from occurring prematurely? Are there ways to reduce the colossal number of driving-related deaths in America each year? As death tolls skyrocket, the importance of being an educated, experienced, and responsible driver becomes progressively more intense. Young and old drivers in the like are losing their lives to the dangers of driving…human deaths that are summarily just tallies. Find a way, make a way, let the loss of loved ones create a change in our ways.

Like most things in life, driving is a learned trait. In order to learn how to drive one must know the rules of the road. These laws must be thoroughly studied and abided by for the safety of everyone. Drivers’ education exemplifies the importance of being a knowledgeable automotive operator—teaching to properly wield machines that continue to be slayers of life. Appropriate training in this area could be the difference between a goodie basket and a funeral casket. Although death is bound to happen, there are ways to justifiably slow it down with safe driving. For example, more frequent written and driving safety courses for already licensed drivers would help operators refresh skills. Tests would force drivers to follow rules regularly rather than pass a one time test. Barely becoming teenagers, drivers in certain states can get behind the wheel alone at 14 years old. In contrast, increased driving ages could potentially decrease automobile-related deaths as this group does not have fully developed decision making skills yet. In a new technological age, better-manufactured machinery and increased phone security while in motion would decrease operator errors. Although this technology is early in development, the valuable effects brought about will undoubtedly liberate humans from the painful loss of life. Summarily, a few simple changes in the go around of rules and expected reform of this self transportation would save countless lives.

Driving is a social norm in America, as millions of people are exposed to driving. With the ever-growing number of drivers, it makes sense that the exposure of irresponsible driving and accidents is negatively increased. As a first-hand witness, I have been involved in a car accident due to lack of attention. My mother, operator of the vehicle, to no fault of her own, a Hummer backed into her Jeep (operating under the influence of phone addiction). Whilst the driver damaged not only their vehicle but my mother’s—resulting in a hefty payment in repairs. Constantly hearing “texting while driving can be life threatening and illegal, take back control, put the phone down”(South Dakota Highway Safety Patrol), does not refrain South Dakota drivers from turning their attention away from the road. I have been exposed to distracted driving as a passenger in a vehicle as well. There is no worse punishment than death but having different, worsening punishments for texting and driving would possibly help reduce it.