Combating the Epidemic

    Learning
how to drive is a practical skill most people acquire some time in
their lives, whether it be early years as a teen or much later down
the road. We all know operating a vehicle is a large responsibility,
but by discussing and warning others about the dangers, we can reduce
the number of potential accidents and even deaths associated with
driving an automobile.

     A
major step that should be taken to improve safety is requiring new
drivers to participate in a behind-the-wheel type driving class. This
will help new drivers gain experience and confidence while learning
important skills. Only 32 states require drivers ed before
getting a license. If this were all 50 states, young drivers would be
more prepared and safer on the road. By educating the public on the
rules of the road, there will be a decrease in risk and deaths. 

     Another
large issue surrounding driving currently is texting while driving,
as it can be seen that 25% of all car accidents are caused by drivers
distracted by their smartphones. This epidemic caused roughly 1.5
million car accidents in the United States in 2018, according to the
National Safety Council. Lawmakers are reducing this danger, however,
by passing laws in several states to prohibit texting while driving.
While many people will continue to do it, many others will think
twice about responding to a message while driving. Many US states
simply ban texting under certain circumstances, but if all 50 states
made an effort to prohibit all smartphone usage among drivers, then
our roads would be much safer.  

     The
perils of texting while driving has personally affected my life. A
few years ago, while going on vacation for their anniversary, my
parents were stopped in traffic before being tragically rear ended by
a driver who was texting while driving. Even though they did suffer
injuries, they were left with an overwhelming sense of relief that I
was not present in the car. This is due to the fact that I have
musculoskeletal disability called chiari malformation along with
several fused vertebrae. To this day, I am told, it haunts my parents
as to the potential harm the accident could have caused. This message
must be spread to future drivers, for we understand the risks of
being impaired while behind the wheel, however, many continue to
engage in this behavior. It is important to mention that untold lives
have been saved due to educational awareness. By combining education
and legal restrictions associated with texting while driving, we can
count on more lives being saved in the future that would otherwise be
destroyed by ignorance.