As a teenager, I am a new driver. I have gone through extensive training and classes to get me on the roads. But this also means that I am well aware of the dangers that involve vehicles. All it takes is one drink or checking your texts one time to harm yourself and others. But, I know that drivers education was also put to the side as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am one of the numerous drivers in my state who was given a license without any sort of testing to make sure that I was qualified to be behind the wheel. To me, this is incredibly scary. While I may be a responsible driver, I know some of my classmates aren’t. The urge to check a snapchat or answer a text is sometimes too overwhelming and people my age commonly fall victim to distracted driving. This is truly an epidemic that is plaguing the world. It is so important for those behind the wheel to understand just how important safety is for not only you, but those around you. One text could put you behind bars for the rest of your life. Is that one text to your boyfriend really worth throwing your whole life away?
In 2021, there were 39,508 fatal crashes in the US. This statistic equates to 12.9 deaths per every 100,000. It is a fact that we are losing too many people to wrecks, and this is a statistic that is in dire need of attention. According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 80% of wrecks are a result of a form of distracted driving. Back in 2020, there were 3,142 people who died in car crashes because of distracted driving. This is a large number of people that are being harmed, and the key to sending this number downward is by educating the American population on just how harmful distracted driving is. We need to stop this before it gets more out of hand, and more out of control. We need to educate Americans on the dangers of distracted driving, and use emotional tactics to try and get people to truly make changes to their habits. The best way to make changes is to pull at heartstrings. Another way we could initiate change is to increase punishments financially, to incentivize people to stop distracted driving, as no one wants to pay more money than necessary.
There are many steps that can be taken to reduce distracted driving. I think an important aspect is the educational part, which I discussed early. I also think that finding people more would help initiate a change. If we added a community service requirement if you are caught driving distracted, this could also motivate people not to partake in these behaviors. It is hard to make time for this, as Americans lead busy lives and time isn’t endless. I feel like if people took a hands-on approach to get feet on the ground, it could increase education on the dangers of distracted driving. I really like the motto “Take 5, Stay Alive” and we could use this slogan to encourage people to slow down, take a look at your phone or eat before getting behind the wheel, and then have the ability to drive without distractions. This extra few minutes could be the difference between people arriving at their destinations alive.
This is a very personal topic to me. I have been in car wrecks before, and they are absolutely terrifying. They chill my bones and make me want to be as good of a driver as possible, so I’m not in that position as a result of my actions. I have a fear of wrecking and endangering others, therefore I strive to not partake in distracted driving. As I am a teenager, I watch my friends make questionable decisions behind the wheel, and I make it my responsibility to educate them on the dangers of driving in a distracted manner. It is important to make driving a distraction free environment where safety is a top priority. While some make me think it’s annoying, I know my warnings will help save people one day, as education is something that is truly valuable.
Personally, staying focused every moment behind the wheel is something that keeping my focus on will help. Being “locked in'' will allow me to give dedication to keeping the roadways safer, and making sure that I set good examples for those around me. By working on my defensive driving through courses at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, I am keeping my skills sharp and protecting both myself and others. A life is something that is truly precious. Keeping this a priority is something that is important to me, as no one should have to bury a loved one as a result of a careless mistake.