The Death Taboo

Speaking of death is generally a taboo among regular people in America; no one wants to discuss how their favorite aunt or cherished son may die someday. However; it is something that needs to be discussed- especially if it’s a cause of death that can be prevented. One of the main causes of death in America is car accidents, garnering more than 38,000 lives a year. I personally have experienced a car accident before, as I had unintentionally backed into a car passing by due to a larger car blocking my sight. Some of my friends have also experienced irresponsible driving; one instance being a good friend of mine who I’ll call May. Due to a distracted driver passing a stop sign, May’s car was crashed into, causing her to have anxiety whenever she drives. I’m just thankful she’s still alive.

Actions like these are dangerous, but thankfully they are preventable. One main way many schools and the government promote safe driving is through driving educational programs like drivers ed. Drivers ed is important because it reduces the number of deaths from irresponsible driving by teaching people how to drive responsibly, as well as showing the consequences if safety tactics are ignored (ex: texting while driving). However, despite drivers ed being mandated, far too many accidents happen every year.

Main causes for accidents include: texting while driving, drunk driving, and breaking speed limits. Since (legal) drivers have a license from taking drivers ed and still commit these actions, another way to prevent deaths is to have stricter laws and penalties for irresponsible driving. A larger fine for texting and driving, harsher penalties for drinking while driving, and fines based on equity rather than a standard fee (as to prevent the upper class from getting off scot free.) While these measurements seem harsh, something drastic must be done to prevent such avoidable demises on the road.

Other than formal laws and classes, promotion of safe driving is also up to individuals themselves. When driving with friends I make sure everyone is buckled and sitting down before I begin driving, as well as I ensure the music doesn’t get too loud to distract me while driving. Doing small actions like these helps those around me take up the habit as well, promoting safe driving habits to the people I care about. Other small steps individuals can take to promote safe driving habits are turning on turn signals when passing- even when there’s a single other car on the highway- as it gets both yourself and the other car into the habit.

Driving is a unique experience for all that do it, and it’s hard to determine every car accident’s reason as to why death occurs. Sometimes it’s drinking, while with others it was simply looking away at the wrong time. Despite the cause, it’s still a major problem in America. Without taking the proper steps for responsible driving, discussing death will become all the more a common occurrence.