Everyone’s Responsibility

“Do you want me to call someone for you?” “Do you want me to send that text?” “I can read you the directions.” These are phrases I often find myself saying in the passenger’s seat. Whether I am in the car with my friends or family, drivers can often be distracted. This lack of focus always makes me incredibly anxious while riding in the car with another person because I know that it only takes one second, one glance, for a car ride to become a deadly experience.

It was recorded that in 2021 alone, there were over 42,000 deaths in motor vehicle accidents – an all-time high. The dangers of the road are a pressing issue that must not be ignored. All Americans must prioritize a reduction of deaths due to driving in any way possible. No one should have to be afraid of riding in their vehicle.

This is why we must have driver education and take other steps to make the roads safer. Through driver education, prospective or current drivers can learn the rules of the road, which is crucial if they are going to drive on these roads. I have been in the car when these rules have been forgotten, and the experience became dangerous very quickly. Thus, all drivers must learn and be reminded of these rules. Driver education can not only teach someone general driving laws but also advice to keep themselves and all passengers as safe as possible. For example, one can learn parking techniques or tricks to help one remember certain rules of the road. Overall, driver education is crucial in preparing drivers to take on the roads themselves. Without driver education, our highways would become even more dangerous and deaths by driving would increase.

Aside from driver education, other steps can be taken to provide more safety on the road. One of the biggest problems the U.S. faces today regarding road accidents is due to texting and driving. When I am a passenger in someone’s car, I feel as though I am always trying to keep the driver from looking at their phone, and I face the temptation to do so when I am driving as well. However, things can be done to reduce the distraction of phones while driving. For example, when I am driving my Spotify app processes that it is hooked up to my car and goes into driving mode. When in this mode, I am prevented from doing certain things on the app unless I disable the feature. It would be helpful to add this type of feature to other applications, such as texting apps or social media. This can reduce the distraction level of the phone while driving. With methods such as these, drivers can be discouraged to use their phones while driving, keeping themselves, their passengers, and other drivers safer.

However, making a change is not entirely up to app developers and car creators. It is most important that individual drivers change their habits on the road or continue with their current safe habits. Personally, I should ensure that I am not distracted on the road. While I am typically focused, I can sometimes become distracted by my phone ringing or the music I am listening to. It is important that if I find myself focusing on something other than driving while in the car, I redirect my focus quickly. I can take steps such as turning down my music, stopping looking at my phone, or keeping both hands on the wheel to ensure that I am driving as safely as possible. This is even more important when I have other passengers in the car. When I do have other people in the car, I must also ensure that I do not allow their presence to distract me. This goes both ways if I am in someone else’s car. I should be careful to not do things that might distract them, such as showing them a picture or telling them to look at something we passed in the street. To help others become safer, I can also continue to try and keep other distractions from them. I can do this by asking if they need help with directions or by sending a text message for them as mentioned before. With these steps, I can become a more safe driver as well as help others to do the same.

Ultimately, it is our responsibility as drivers and passengers to make the road safer. While steps can be taken in the technological sense with cars and cell phones, it is also up to individual Americans to help in any way possible to reduce the number of deaths by driving. This can be done by avoiding distractions on the road and helping others to do so as well. No one should feel overwhelmingly scared or anxious while on the road, and no one should be dying by driving when there is so much we can do to make our roads safer.