Name: Nicole Combs
From: Gilbert, AZ
Votes: 0
Driving
Smarter
Too
many drivers are killed each year in car accidents, but many drivers
don’t understand the severity of the issue. According to an article
by Occupational Health and Safety, an estimated 4.5 million were
seriously injured and 40,000 were killed in car accidents in 2018. As
of 2016 there were 225 million drivers in the United
States(statista.com). That means 1 in every 50 drivers are seriously
injured each year. Many, however, assume that driving is something to
be taken lightly and are more willing to violate laws on the roads.
Drivers are often willing to speed, run yellow lights, and even drive
under the influence of drugs and alcohol under the impression that
they are only running the risk of being caught. These drivers are
likely unaware that every time they get into a vehicle, their odds of
being seriously injured increases drastically.
We
all see traffic violations occurring around us; sometimes even see
our friends and family members commit them. As a passenger, I often
remind my friends and family pay attention to their speed and keep a
safe following distance. Certain places have a higher instance of
traffic accidents and it is important to anticipate those dangers.
For example, every day on my way home, I make a left turn at a
certain intersection. Many people run that particular yellow light so
I turn left with extra caution, increasing my situational awareness
even more.
Though
the odds on driver injury and fatality are staggering, there are
simple things we as drivers can do to reduce them. Two very common
and serious accidents are intersection accidents and single car
accidents. If drivers stopped at yellow lights instead of trying to
make it through before red, many intersection accidents could be
avoided. Single car accidents can be the result of loss of control of
the vehicle due to vehicle failure or environmental factors, but
often it is due to a distracted or impared driver trying to avoid an
obstacle at the last second.
Some
simple ways I avoid being injured in an auto accident are buckling my
seatbelt, adjusting my mirrors, and paying careful attention to any
sounds my car makes. I also make sure I wear my glasses and, if I
have a passenger, I make paying attention to the road my first
priority. We can all be better and safer drivers by remaining aware
and at a safe following distance, stopping at yellow lights, and
taking the privilege of driving very seriously.
