Reducing the number of deaths due to driving would have an exponential level of benefits for the nation and for the world as a whole. Just as in the 1950’s President Eisenhower saw the importance for the National Highway Act there needs to be an equivalent level of urgency and unison of the nation on working towards a safer roadway system. I feel that as a new driver goes through schooling there should be some changes to make the lessons more personal and stronger. The idea I have tends to be more grim than others but is exposure of what could go wrong to all new drivers, renewers, etc. It reminds me of when I was first certified and later recertified to be a lifeguard. I watched videos and listened to audio of families who lost their sibling or child to a drowning accident. It really made you pay attention to the next lesson and take the training seriously if you already were not. Those videos and messages have never left me and I plan to continue thinking of them while I work for the rest of my life. If this could be done for new drivers I really think it would leave a lasting impression on those who think driving is fun. Driving is a tool and a privilege, not a right.
Another idea branches off of one that is seen with previous drunk driving offenders and what must be done before the car can start. It could be possible for one to plug in their phone, with a charging feature and also one that syncs to Apple Carplay or Android Auto, and be stored away for the remainder of the drive. It could be set up so it can only be removed when the car is turned off. This also helps reduce cognitive and manual distractions and it is working towards the safety of all passengers. The coupling of these ideas would make a great duo of methods that could prevent the death toll if implemented correctly and held up by law enforcement.
I recently experienced a car accident that significantly impacted my life. While initially, I felt okay after the collision, I began to suffer from insomnia, lack of appetite, and trouble focusing in the following weeks. Unaware of these issues, I eventually fainted while volunteering, leading to an ER visit where I discovered severe dehydration and signs of a concussion. The subsequent months were challenging, requiring antidepressant medication and support from friends due to my inability to notice certain issues. With family in California and university in Texas, the lack of immediate physical support made the recovery even more difficult. Despite thinking I had improved, the strain of summer classes caused a regression, and I was informed that my brain needed more time to heal. Continuing medication until November, I faced the academic consequences of my condition. The fall semester brought additional challenges, compounded by taking on student leader roles and financial struggles with the university. Despite the setback, the experience shaped my perspective on sports, friendships, and life in general, highlighting the crucial support of friends and family during difficult times.
Enhancing my skills as a driver would involve adopting a defensive driving approach, constantly staying attentive to my surroundings, and minimizing distractions. Regular maintenance checks on my vehicle ensure it operates at its best, contributing to overall road safety. Adhering to speed limits is crucial, not just for my safety but for the safety of others on the road. I could continue to set an example by following safety protocols, and encouraging friends and family to do the same. I could also actively discourage risky behaviors, particularly impaired driving, all while emphasizing the potential consequences. Something I have not done is consider enrolling in defensive driving courses to further refine your skills and knowledge. By embodying responsible driving habits and advocating for them, I contribute to creating a safer road environment for everyone.
In conclusion, the suggestion of a phone storage and charging feature that syncs with car entertainment systems, ensuring that the phone remains out of reach and a more sobering approach that involves exposing new drivers to the potential consequences of distracted driving through impactful educational materials, similar to the way lifeguard training includes emotional stories of drowning accidents, could be some of the best steps to slowing down and ending the death toll seen today in vehicular accidents. By implementing a combination of these ideas and fostering a culture of responsibility and safety, we can work towards making distracted driving a thing of the past and ensure that driving remains a tool and a privilege, not to be taken lightly.