Road Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

My first driving experience was operating a golf cart on a deserted road in Croatia. Despite there being almost no obstacles (a few random trees 3 or 4 yards from the road) I proceeded with the utmost caution, never daring to go faster than 6 miles per hour. When we came to a bridge with no guardrails, I let my father take the wheel. There was little to no chance I could be involved in an accident that would result in more than a dented bumper, but I take the responsibility of operating a motor vehicle, especially with my family inside, very seriously.

In the United States nearly 50,000 people die every year from car accidents. Many of these accidents could have been prevented or at least not ended fatally if stricter and more comprehensive road safety meassures were implemented and enforced.

One of these problems we face on roads is reckless driving. Many drivers are often in a hurry and are unwilling to follow traffic rules, such as speed limits or signal lights. This can lead to dangerous situations and potentially fatal accidents.

Next to recklessness another major problem is distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone while driving. This takes the driver’s attention away from the road, putting themselves and others at risk. This has increasingly become a concern for policy makers with the rise of the digital age and the onslaught of multiple demands on a drivers attention brought by smartphones. Many of us will offhandedly text or swipe through our phones while driving without realizing the drop in concentration that this brings with it. When on the roads seconds, or even fractions of a second, can be the difference in avoiding an accident which is why everyone, especially the youth who are most likely to text while driving, need to be constantly observant and alert.

Personal responsibility is also a key factor when improving road safety, we can all contribute by following traffic rules, using our signals when turning, and avoiding distractions while driving. Additionally, we need to encourage friends and family members to do the same. But not only individuals need to step up to help, governments also have a roal to play. Sometimes the roads themselves are the problem. Poorly maintained roads, missing road signs, and inadequate lighting can often be the cause of road accidents.

Not only that but also the use of public transportation can help reduce the number of cars on the road, which in turn can reduce the chances of accidents. Governments can also encourage the use of public transportation by investing in better infrastructure and improving the reliability of public transportation systems.

Another way to improve road safety is through education. Governments and organizations can launch awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of reckless and distracted driving.

As for laws, increased fines for reckless, distracted or impaired driving could be imposed or increased to discourage such behavior. For example, in Japan all the occupants of a vehicle where a driver has been determined to be driving while impaired will be prosecuted as well. Of course that would not be a deterrent if someone is driving alone, but knowing that I could be charged as equally guilty would make me be very sure that the driver was completely sober before I got into the car. Additionally, improvements in road infrastructure, such as better lighting and signage, could be made a priority to make local governments step up. Moreover, stricter licensing laws could also be implemented. To get a license in Germany drivers must take a very comprehensive class that includes hours of theory and pratice. The requirements in the US are significantly less intense. Drivers should be more thoroughly tested and trained before they are given a license, and regular evaluations could be done to ensure they continue to follow the rules and drive safely.

In addition, the use of technology can play a significant role in improving road safety. For example, the installation of cameras at intersections can help reduce red light running and improve enforcement of traffic laws. Vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems can also help prevent accidents by alerting drivers of potential hazards on the road.

In conclusion, improving road safety requires the combined effort of all involved parties. Together we must implement a combination of education, new or stricter laws, and public transportation as well as following traffic laws and encouraging others to do the same. We can all play a role in making the roads safer by following traffic rules, avoiding distractions while driving, and supporting laws that promote road safety. Together we can all help to reduce accidents and save lives.