Driving: A Matter of Life and Death

Driving: A Matter of Life and Death

Jarrett Osborne

6/13/2020

Driving is always a risk, every time one enters the driver’s seat there is a chance that they will encounter some peril. Many have gotten used to this, and drive throughout their lives gradually letting the importance of drivers ed slip away until it hits them at sixty miles per hour. Drivers ed is important because individuals are taught changes to traffic laws and how to stay safe on the road.

Drivers ed fulfills the role of attempting to reduce the number of deaths related to driving by educating individuals. Educating people is critical to maintaining the safety of both the citizens that use the street as well as for those that walk them. Driving is a matter of life and death, so the process is lengthy and thorough for good reason. The people who truly value what they learn in drivers ed classes are the safest on the road for both themselves and others. Ensuring citizens are safe and reducing the death toll starts with a good drivers ed program.

To say the death toll when related to driving can be reduced to zero is a tall order. However, steps can be taken to substantially reduce this number. In 2019, the US sustained almost 40,000 casualties due to driving related deaths. The way we educate individuals is good, however that information might not be retained in the long term. Therefore, the responsibility falls on the law. In the US, many are observed to drive over the speed limit consistently. The safety of the vehicles provided also lag behind the standards of many other countries. The third reason is that the laws for seat belt use are fairly loose in the US, which causes many more driver deaths. In order to reduce deaths, we should make the laws more strict and clear as well as ensure drivers ed is retained and people are provided updated information.

Personally, I commonly encounter moments where friends or family drive irresponsibly. There have been times when a friend has wanted to text a girl, change a song, or open a message. With parents, going so far as to talk on the phone while driving is common. At times, people will even eat while on the road. These are all considered forms of distracted driving and are often responsible for collisions. As a passenger, one can take action to prevent this, such as offering to hold the phone or text that person.

In conclusion, there are areas for improvement we can consider ourselves as well as avenues for improvement to pursue for the sake of others. For me, I intend to be more strict about usage of my phone while driving, even while at a red light. I encourage others to do the same, as well as offer loved ones your assistance. For your sake and theirs. After all, driving is a matter of life and death. So stay safe!