Driving Safely Can Save Lives

Every year, thousands of people die as a result of motor vehicle collisions. Motor vehicle collisions occur when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other moving or stationary obstruction, such as a tree, pole or building. These collisions are typically referred to as car accidents, but these same “accidents” could be prevented. Most fatal car crashes are caused by distracted driving, recklessness, and driving under the influence. Teens between the ages of 16 and 19 are more likely to possess these tendencies, which makes them more susceptible to be in fatal crashes. By emphasizing the importance of being responsible, receiving driver education, and implementing new rules, the number of deaths resulting from driving could be reduced.

In the United States of America, people can start receiving their full license between the ages of 16 and 18; as a result, they’re the least experienced. Since teens lack driving experience, they require more guidance when operating a motor vehicle. A great way for teens to receive guidance is by taking a driver’s education course with a professional instructor. Driver’s education highlights the rules of the road, vehicle safety, and driving basics. I personally took drivers ed, and it made me feel more prepared to drive. My instructor explained the dangers of driving, the rules of the road, and how to safely operate a vehicle. Taking a driver’s ed course significantly reduces a person’s chances of being involved in a motor vehicle collision; it is a great resource to reduce the number of fatalities while driving. Driving can put people in life-or-death situations, so it is important to be well educated on all aspects of driving.

Teens tend to display more risk-taking behaviors because they possess an overconfidence in their driving skills. For example, many teenagers believe they can partake in unsafe driving practices, such as texting and driving or driving over the speed limit, because they haven’t had anything bad happen to them while driving. They do not view driving as a luxury or privilege, so a lot of new drivers fail to see the responsibility that comes with operating a motor vehicle. Irresponsibility leads to recklessness, and recklessness leads to fatalities. It is crucial for all drivers of any age to understand the power of operating a motor vehicle. Not only are you responsible for your own life; you are responsible for the people around you. A lot of new drivers do not grasp this concept, so it is imperative that all drivers are taught this before they are allowed to drive. If more drivers were responsible, the number of deaths that are a result of driving would decrease.

Finally, the number of deaths that are caused by driving could be reduced by introducing new rules and regulations nationwide. For example, in Georgia, lawmakers enforced a state law that changed the requirements to obtain a driver’s license for teen drivers. This law was known as Joshua’s Law, and it was named after Joshua Brown, who died in an accident in 2003. Joshua’s Law requires all 16 and 17 year-olds applying for a Class D driver’s license to complete an approved driver education course and complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving. 6 hours of which must be at night, with a parent or guardian’s sworn verification that these driving requirements have been met. If more states implicated laws similar to Joshua’s Law, new drivers in those states would be better prepared to handle a motor-operated vehicle. Education and giving experience to all drivers, no matter what age, helps prepare them to drive in the real world. Also, curfews for new drivers could be beneficial. Curfews between late hours of the night and early hours of the morning reduce the probability of new drivers getting into fatal crashes. With curfews in place, the number of fatalities caused by motor vehicle collisions could be reduced. Limitations on the number of passengers should be considered as well. The more passengers in a vehicle, the more likely the driver will be distracted. Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle collisions, so limiting the number of passengers could reduce the number of distractions. Rules should be enforced for new drivers to ease them into driving with passengers. In Georgia, this rule has been enforced. During the first six months following issuance, only immediate family members can ride in the vehicle. During the second six months, only one passenger under 21 years of age and who is not a member of the driver’s immediate family can ride in the vehicle. After one year from the date of issuance, only three passengers under 21 years of age and who are not members of the driver’s immediate family can ride in the vehicle. Issuing new rules and regulations nationwide could reduce the factors that cause deaths caused by driving.

Taking driver’s education, understanding the responsibility of driving, and enforcing new rules and regulations nationwide would reduce the number of deaths resulting from driving. If more people were exposed to these ideals and spread their findings to their friends and family, people would be better and safer drivers. Driving is a big responsibility because you are responsible for yourself and others. It is imperative that all drivers are educated and responsible, so fatalities from driving are prevented. While many people do have car accidents, they could have possibly been prevented with better education and responsibility. Laws could ensure all drivers possess the knowledge and appropriate behavior to be a responsible driver.