To Take to the Road

Jasmine Traut

7/29/21

To Take to the Road

What do I do? This is one of the first thoughts to race through a person’s head after an accident, whether they are the victim or the “at-fault driver.” Educating people- students or in general- on the rules of driving- as well as driving safely- can help shape the future of how people’s driving affects others. In turn, we may see the numbers on a variety of driving-related issues decrease.

According to studies done by insurance companies, the number one cause of accidents in the U.S is “distracted driving.” This entails texting, drinking, and/or eating while driving. Furthermore, Goddard law states that as of 2019, approximately six million car accidents take place in the U.S each year, meaning that almost ninety people may die a day. Meanwhile, more and more people begin Drivers Ed classes each year these accidents take place, students at the legal age and anyone looking to get a license. Each of those people who pass will go on the very roads daily accidents and close calls take place. Therefore, they can easily be the next victims or at-fault drivers, maybe even passersby who witness a close call or accident itself. If the classes they take don’t stress the importance of how to prevent these situations or what to do if they find themselves in one, imagine how much more the current statistics may rise.

To prevent the rise of bad driving and its consequences- on top of the driving classes themselves, perhaps more PSAs can be made, stressing the statistics of fatalities and accidents. Additionally, practice drives of those pursuing a driver’s license should always be supervised, so mistakes and bad habits can be corrected before they fully take the wheel. Unlicensed drivers should also have preparations for when the weather is poor, as well as for when drivers around them are being reckless. New drivers should also have fewer passengers when they are first driving, as this creates less risk for everyone involved. By undertaking these precautions, we can ensure that people are driving carefully and staying safe.

I have not personally been in an accident; however, my parents were both victims of a hit-and-run accident. That was about five years ago but has had everlasting physical effects that often create obstacles for them. Both of their backs are messed up, and my mom’s hip also suffered some damage. It’s not exactly crippling but still has had a big effect on them. Now I really don’t intend to be the next “at-fault” driver, and so I shall follow all guidelines provided to me for driving, as well as be careful anytime I get behind the wheel. I will also spend my time before getting a license preparing for multiple scenarios so I know what to do and so I can help the figures of accidents and unsafe driving decrease.