Decreasing Motor Accident Deaths

Transportation is a necessary need used by nearly every single person everyday from people commuting to work to students going to school. This results in many drivers on the road during the same times every single day resulting in rush hours. Moreover, the more traffic increases the risk for accidents on the road. It is important for us as a society to take necessary steps to reduce the number of deaths caused on the road based on some of my own experiences and taking steps to personally hone my driving skills.

Additionally, educating drivers is a great way to minimize car wrecks. In America during the year 2020 38,680 people died from motor vehicle accidents. This number is sickening because usually there is a way an accident could have been prevented or made less severe. Most drivers take the learners permit at fifteen years old and forget the basic rules of the road as soon as they receive that learner’s permit. This has become an issue because many motor operators forget who has the right away which can result in serious injuries, death, and financial troubles. Drivers education is a need when it comes to new drivers because it is reliable in relaying the drivers laws because it is more likely to be remembered when it is a course taken rather than showing up one day and guessing on a test and barely passing. During my Sophomore year of high school, I had the privilege to take drivers ed and I remember the rules clearly because they were taught to me. Once the upcoming new drivers learn the road laws instead of just memorizing like many did before, it can cut back on accidents per year. Furthermore, through requiring a high- quality driving class for students approaching the driving age county-wide, it has the power to decrease accidents by ensuring drivers have the necessary driving knowledge.

Nevertheless, I have first hand experience on what it is like to experience a car crash and know the toll it can take on anyone. I was around eleven years old when a car came out of nowhere and hit our car filled with my whole family. We were hit on the driver’s side which happened to be on the same side I was sitting on. This experience was traumatic for our whole family. I distinctly remember being hesitant to ride in another car. My parents were especially frustrated because our busy family of five had to rely on one car until the other one got fixed. Additionally, within seconds our car value decreased significantly. That is still affecting us today roughly seven years later because to trade in our car we would get less out of it now so we have to hold out as long as possible. Luckily no one was injured but not everyone gets quite as lucky. Car accidents cause long term effects that are not as obvious as others. For instance, being without a car for an extended amount of time can create a financial burden from possibly paying for a rental car or having to rely on others. Also, serious car accidents may result in death which obviously leaves a long term effect on everyone close to them. Injuries acquired during accidents may never be able to heal properly which will hinder the person’s life.

Furthermore, as a society, we must come together to put an end to the epidemic of motor accident deaths. Some actions to stop this include requiring drivers ed as well as making efforts to stop distracted driving. I will be honest and admit to sending the occasional message or changing my music on my phone while driving. I am not proud and recently stopped; however, I can relate to the ‘it will not happen to me’ attitude. It is a must to bring awareness to those who have suffered life-altering consequences from distracted driving. Distracted driving is one of the main causes of these motor accidents. Commercials and advertisements on social media are both great ways to spread consciousness on the repercussions. My favorite is using radio commercials because most people listen to the radio while driving. In addition, I think the car wreck videos are a deterrent for reckless driving habits because no one wants to end up in an ambulance and does not want to be the reason someone else does.

Finally, the amount of people who have lost their lives due to motor accidents is unacceptable. This widespread issue requires action in order to see results. Through driver education and advertisements to remind drivers of the possible outcomes, we can finally decrease the amount of lives lost to motor vehicle operators whose one mistake cost someone else their life.