Wrong place, Wrong time.

Wrong place, wrong time.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 42,795 people died in motor vehicle traffic accidents in 2022. Those people leave their families with a hole in their heart and the question of “why did this happen to them”?! Too soon, in the wrong place at the wrong time.

How can we save the lives of our family and friends on the road? The first thing should be formal training. Learn to drive safely while making sure to not put others’ lives in danger while you are behind the wheel. I believe drivers’ education is a critical aspect of ensuring road safety and saving lives. It equips learners with the skills and abilities necessary to navigate the complexities of driving, fostering a sense of responsibility and alertness on the roads. A well-structured driver education program covers traffic rules and regulations, defensive driving techniques, and the consequences of impaired and distracted driving.

By impressing these behaviors on those who take the courses, drivers education helps to: Enhance awareness, (A properly educated driver becomes more aware of their surroundings, potential hazards, and the actions of other drivers. This heightened level of consciousness reduces the chances of being involved in avoidable accidents.) Instill safe driving habits, (education provides drivers with the necessary tools to cultivate safe driving habits, such as maintaining a safe following distance, using seat belts, and avoiding aggressive driving behaviors. These habits significantly reduce the risk of fatal accidents.) And promote responsible decision making, (driver education emphasizes the importance of making responsible choices, including not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Education on the consequences of impaired driving can deter individuals from engaging in such hazardous behaviors.)

Formal training is not the end of the road on our path to removing the loss of life due to motor vehicle accidents. The US Department of Transportation put out a national roadway safety strategy. Within this strategy elements are outlined to get to their goal of zero roadway fatalities. I believe if we can promote that strategy, we will be able to get to that long term goal. The objectives reflected on in the strategy focus on safer people, safer roads, safer speeds and safer vehicles. It takes a holistic approach to fix the situation.

I have been around mistakes made on the road with both family and friends. A friend of mine was driving through a busy 5 lane-road and another driver quickly crossed all 5 lanes in order to make an exit and hit my friend’s vehicle. An acquaintance of mine recently totaled his vehicle by improperly paying attention to his speed and the speed limit. He was going well above the speed limit around a turn and fish tailed his vehicle into a ditch cracking the vertebrae of his passenger. My grandfather and brother were stopped in their vehicle when another car came crashing into them going over 50 miles per hour. Thankfully, although serious injuries occurred in all examples, no one was killed. The memory and trauma remain though. My brother has anxiety when traveling with anyone in a car.

I believe that everyone should enter a vehicle knowing that the power is tremendous and the capabilities to be damaging are present. Once that is understood and respected, the want and drive to be a safer driver will come naturally to everyone. I want to take steps to be a better and safer driver as well as helping others be safer drivers. Educating myself with strategies such as the above listed, avoiding distractions, driving defensively, embracing sobriety, leading by example, and advocating for driver education are ways that I can embrace my part.

Driver education stands as a powerful tool in reducing the alarming number of deaths caused by driving-related accidents. By equipping individuals with essential knowledge and skills, fostering responsible driving habits, and promoting awareness about road safety, driver education can create a safer driving culture. However, it is essential to implement a comprehensive approach that includes stricter law enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and the integration of technological advancements. As individuals, we can play an active role in promoting road safety by becoming better drivers ourselves and encouraging others to prioritize safety on the roads. With collective efforts, we can aim to minimize the devastating impact of road accidents and create safer and more responsible driving communities.

Educate yourself and advocate that others also get the proper education. Remove the chance that you or someone you know will be in the wrong place at the wrong time being another number in next year’s motor vehicle deaths.