The Consequences of our Creation

The devastating impact cars have on human life is a sobering reality to reconcile with. To put the toll of our infatuation with automobiles into perspective, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of deaths from accidents surpasses the median estimated fatalities of all communist nations combined. One may ponder if this disturbing precedent means cars threaten our safety more than communism. Regardless, we must grip the blood-soaked wheel of the vehicle of many people’s demise and steer ourselves towards reducing the number of accidents on the road and educating ourselves against reckless operation, not just for our own sake, but for the well-being of future generations.

According to data collected by the WHO, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for individuals between 5-29, dousing 1.35 million lives a year, making cars a more ruthless killer than malaria, meningitis, hepatitis, and Parkinson’s combined. That’s millions of hopes, dreams, and aspirations of people like you or me left in permanent limbo by the reckless misuse of our own creation. In the United States alone, approximately 38,000 people died in car crashes in 2019. These are staggering statistics, made even more tragic by a vast majority of possibly preventable deaths: the WHO reports that speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, and not wearing a seatbelt are the causes of almost all fatal car crashes. Wrecks not only impact individual people and families, but they also have broader economic and societal influences. The cost of car crashes to Americans is estimated to be around $242 billion annually, including medical expenses, property damage, and lost productivity. Every time we get behind the wheel, we have a responsibility to ourselves and others to drive safely. Advocating for awareness about the causes and effects of car crashes is vital for safeguarding our lives and livelihoods.

Allow me to regale you with a parable to elucidate how careless and irresponsible driving jeopardizes yourself and innocent people. A young man named Alex decided to head home from a friend’s house after a long evening of partying. Despite feeling exhausted and a bit drunk, he opted to get behind the wheel of his vehicle, heedlessly believing that he could drive safely and make it home without incident. As he progressed further down the road, Alex began to feel increasingly fatigued, struggling against his overwhelming drowsiness to push the petals and turn the steering wheel. He half-realized he was drifting in and out of lanes, narrowly avoiding collisions with other cars right before his luck ran out. A jolt rocked Alex’s body like a ship running aground as his vehicle collided with a minivan half his truck’s size. Glass shattered, pelting Alex’s exposed skin with jagged pebbles of what was his windshield. The bone-chattering scream of steel against steel, monstrous and shrill, overwhelmed what little senses Alex had left. The cacophony of destruction enveloped Alex as he felt his limbs flail about, and, like a final kick while he was down, the force of the rapidly expanding airbag knocked Alex unconscious. The might of the impact was so tremendous that both cars spun wildly out of control, careening towards a nearby ditch, the van flipping several times until settling upside down, deep in an inaccessible crevice. Alex’s slurred mind had yet to register the gravity of his mistake or even his gnarled surroundings as he animalistically came to and staggered out of his decimated truck. The adrenaline wore down as Alex surveyed the grim wake his decisions had wrought, then the pain came like searing daggers chiding and sneering at him for daring to survive the ordeal his recklessness caused. While Alex was fortunate enough to endure the collision, he suffered permanent injuries requiring hospitalization for months. Tragically, the other driver wasn’t as lucky. This harrowing tale starkly warns of the often understated hazards of driving under the influence or while otherwise impaired. It underscores that driving is not a God-given, unalienable right of every American but a privilege only approachable with the utmost care, reverence, and responsibility.

Promoting road safety requires a collective, proactive approach by everyone in a community. Individuals and parents must take responsibility for their actions, strictly adhere to traffic laws, and encourage their loved ones to do the same. Schools, too, must include driver education courses in their curriculum to expose students to and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become responsible drivers. Furthermore, community leaders must invest in infrastructure improvements, such as better road design and regular maintenance, to ensure safer driving conditions, while law enforcement agencies also step up their efforts to enforce traffic laws and hold bad actors accountable for their actions. Drivers must not take any chances and always wear their seat belts, avoid distractions, and stay sober while driving. Defensive driving courses can also go a long way in improving our skills and awareness on the road. For pedestrians and cyclists, following traffic signals, wearing reflective clothing, and staying vigilant near roadways or traffic can significantly enhance their safety. On the mechanical side, drivers must ensure that their brakes, tires, and lights are in top condition to prevent malfunctions while driving. Routine oil changes and tune-ups improve vehicle performance and reduce the risk of engine failures or other mechanical issues. Most recommend scheduling maintenance appointments with certified mechanics regularly to keep vehicles road-ready. Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and promote safer roads for everyone. Only through cooperation can we achieve a future where no one loses another loved one to a car.

It is impossible to deny the significant impact that cars have on our daily lives, with millions dying every year as a result of our toxic relationship with our own creations. As conscientious members of society, it is our responsibility to place emphasis on road safety and minimize the occurrence of accidents. We can achieve this by educating ourselves and promoting awareness, ultimately paving the way toward a future where our roads are safer for all. Each of us must take accountability for our actions behind the wheel and strive toward a brighter tomorrow.