Driving is everyones responsibility

As a patient care tech at a rehabilitation hospital, I have witnessed numerous individuals being admitted due to car accidents, ranging from young adults to seniors. Some barely survived with limited autonomy, while others didn’t make it. It’s heart-wrenching to witness these tragedies, especially knowing that a significant proportion of these incidents could have been prevented through driver education. If people were completely informed about the importance of refraining from driving while under the influence or feeling unwell, it could save more than half of these unnecessary accidents. While many crashes today occur due to intoxication, I’ve also seen several accidents caused by drivers who were unwell or experiencing mental distress. Getting behind the wheel under such circumstances is unwise and should be avoided.

What measures can be implemented to decrease fatalities caused by driving? One crucial step is to start educating future drivers from a young age. Children may find themselves in situations where they have to prevent a vehicle from moving forward, such as if a parent is intoxicated or has a medical emergency. It is vital to teach children to take responsibility for their safety and that of others. However, ultimately, the driver bears all responsibility. Operating a vehicle that weighs up to 6,000 pounds and can become a lethal weapon is a massive responsibility. Therefore, passing the DMV exam should be more challenging, and stricter regulations should be in place. For instance, drivers who receive three or more tickets or are involved in accidents they caused within a year should retake their driver’s test. We shouldn’t wait until a person injures someone or themselves before revoking their license. Moreover, drivers should undergo a behind-the-wheel exam every ten years to reinforce their driving skills and knowledge.

Another step that could be taken is mandating Uber, taxis, or public transportation from events where alcohol is served. This should include concerts, bars, and parties held at universities, such as school events or Greek houses. Requiring public transportation could prevent many people from making the decision to drive while intoxicated. When individuals have consumed excessive amounts of alcohol, they are often unable to make rational decisions, so it’s critical to ensure they get home safely.

Another idea is to create an app that allows people to check into a hotel or designated crash pad at a reduced cost. This would enable those who have consumed too much alcohol to sleep it off instead of driving home. Lastly, seniors over 70 years old or people with medical conditions should have their health conditions regulated before driving. While it is challenging to give up one’s independence, it is vital to educate children from a young age that driving must be relinquished if physical or mental impairment arises due to injury or age. By promoting education and reinforcing it to the public, countless lives could be saved.

Have you ever been involved in a car accident or witnessed irresponsible driving by your friends or family? Unfortunately, I experienced a car accident two years ago when a driver leaving a gas station T-boned my car. One common issue I observe is drivers thinking they are allowed to cross a double solid yellow line, which is not permitted. Despite this, some drivers choose to do so as it’s more convenient than making three right turns. During my university days, I recall a Greek member leaving a party to pick up their roommate and accidentally hitting a woman running up a hill. The driver was intoxicated and had no idea they had hit someone until they saw their car covered in blood the next day. This incident taught me to be more vigilant about the safety of everyone at the party. I became like a mother figure, ensuring that nobody left without appropriate transportation or offering to be the designated driver myself. However, this also took the fun out of partying for me, as I felt responsible for preventing such incidents from happening. Even though it was not my fault, I felt guilty for not taking away everyone’s car keys. This experience has stayed with me and made me a better driver as I realize that proper education and responsible behavior can save lives.

Here are some steps you can take to be a better and safer driver, as well as help others become safer on the road:

Step 1: Educate yourself. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people you’ll be with before getting behind the wheel. Make sure you don’t take drinks that you didn’t see being poured, and always take your medication if you have a health condition that could affect your driving, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Take precautions to avoid situations where you may become severely intoxicated, drugged, or have unregulated health.

Step 2: Educate your loved ones. Make sure your friends and family members know the proper precautions to take when driving. Let them know they can count on you for a ride if they need transportation, and encourage them to seek help if they don’t feel well. Avoid making them feel bad for drinking, but reinforce the idea that getting help is a positive step toward staying safe.

Step 3: Support tougher regulations for repeat offenders. Driving is a privilege that many people take for granted. Ensuring that only responsible individuals are allowed to drive can help reduce the number of unnecessary accidents that result in people being handicapped or even losing their lives. Encourage your lawmakers to implement stronger regulations for repeat offenders.

Creating a safer driving environment for oneself and others on the road is possible by following these steps. It’s essential to keep in mind that we all have a responsibility to prioritize safety and prevent accidents. By educating ourselves, speaking up when we witness unsafe driving behaviors, and taking necessary precautions, we can reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that occur while driving.