Distracted Driving, A Silent Killer

Distracted
Driving, A Silent Killer


Driving
has become a necessity in today's day and age. With our ever
increasing rate of expansion walking is only becoming more
inconvenient and dangerous. As more drivers hit the road the number
of accidents steadily climb, especially with teenage drivers. As
these numbers rise we as a society must do something to combate this
horrible trend before it is too late. Drivers ed is a crucial
step in reducing and preventing the number of wrecks and deaths
related to driving.

There
are already several laws in place to help keep people safe on the
roads. Sadly not all drivers abide by these rules, therefore putting
themselves and others at risk. People make the fatal mistake of
thinking that they are invincible when behind the wheel. The laws we
have in place currently are all good, however, they are not being
enforced properly. People need to have more consequence than a simple
fine. I suggest an increase on fines, community service, and
potential jail time depending on the caliber of the crime. If
executed properly these punishments will act as deterrents and help
lower the rate of vehicular crimes.


While
I personally have never had an accident, I have been distracted while
driving. It is an easy thing to fall victim to considering all the
distractions our world has to offer. For example, something as simple
as driving with passengers in the car can be a challenge and having
to balance maintaining a conversation and focusing on the road is a
difficult task. The ultimate obstacle is the cell phone. Something so
tiny, yet bursting at the seams with information and access to all
the world has to offer. It can be so tempting to reach down and
change the song or send a quick text message but these quick little
tasks can cost you your life.


Everyone
tries to minimize texting and driving as if it's “not a real
crime”. People don’t seem to understand that they can kill
someone while texting and driving just as easily as they can using a
gun. In 2017 there were 37,133 deaths from car crashes. That is not
to say that all of them were from distracted driving. There have also
been cases of drunk driving where passengers were fatally injured,
although some might consider this another form of distracted driving.

While
it may take awhile to make influential changes within the driving
curriculum there are smaller things you can do in the meantime. If
you have the ability make sure that your bluetooth is set up. Hands
Free systems like bluetooth help save lives by limiting distractions
that drivers are exposed to. If you are in the car with someone and
catch them texting while driving offer to do it for them so that they
can focus all of their attention on the road. Hopefully the next
generation will have the added benefit of driving classes to help
protect them from the increasing distractions out world offers.