1.35 million per year, 112,500 per month, 25,962 per week, or 3,699 per day (WHO). This is the amount of fatal car accidents that happen per year. You have probably seen or heard stories yourself, some just a fender bender, and some leaving their cars unidentifiable. These statistics are an unsettling reminder of how fragile life can be, and should impart a sense of caution and gratitude for every safe journey home. Driving is often perceived as a fundamental right, but it should be viewed as a privilege granted under the condition that drivers adhere to the rules and responsibilities associated with being on the road. Recognizing driving as a privilege emphasizes the importance of safe and responsible behavior on the road.
Personally, I am not the most forgiving person while driving because I understand how life-threatening it can be. Driving in the state of Arizona has been a cause of great stress for me, mainly because of the amount of unsafe drivers. Arizona is known for having issues with drivers (12 News) with Phoenix ranking eighth and Tucson ranking fourth among U.S. cities with the worst drivers, according to a Forbes Advisor study. I come from Japan, where narrow roads force cars into face-to-face encounters, with overhanging trees and consistent rain complicating visibility and road conditions. Straight stretches are rare, demanding constant vigilance and occasional concern about cliff edges. I find it ironic that Arizona, despite having some of the widest roads with excellent visibility and dry conditions, also contains a large population of drivers that lack safe driving habits. Drivers often exhibit aggressive and dangerous behaviors, contributing to Arizona's poor driving reputation. According to ABC12 News, Arizona leads the nation in road rage incidents, highlighting the importance of prioritizing responsibility and respect for others on the road.
A recent study reveals that 81% of Arizona drivers have been yelled at, insulted, or threatened by another driver. Additionally, 22.5% have been forced off the road, and 56.5% have been blocked from changing lanes. Over 31% of drivers reported another motorist getting out of their vehicle to confront them physically​​. Seeing distracted drivers, drivers ignoring safety measures, merging and switching lanes without a signal, braking harshly, and people getting so close to my bumper that I can see the whites of their eyes, all test my patience. These behaviors are not only a danger to everyone on the road, but also a source of great frustration to me personally. It is precisely these kinds of actions that underscore the need to view driving as a privilege. If drivers understood the responsibilities and potential consequences of their actions, we would likely see a significant reduction in fatal crashes or accidents in general. Recognizing driving as a privilege can promote a culture of accountability and respect, making our roads safer and less stressful for everyone.
People often wonder how to prevent accidents, with some believing little can be done. Having taken the permit and license tests, I disagree. The ease of these tests indicates a severe lack of standards for new drivers. It’s baffling how something as crucial as driving can be so simple to certify, with a lack of knowledge being a predominant reason for accidents and fatalities. I've seen friends lose family members in accidents, and their grief felt even more impactful with how preventable those accidents were.
To reduce driving-related deaths, several steps can be taken. It starts with education. I believe that the tests should be more rigorous both in difficulty and in length. There should be a course that we have to go through that involves challenging our reflexes, our knowledge of the road, and our ability to handle unexpected situations. This could include simulated driving conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, and emergency scenarios where quick thinking and precise actions are necessary. Moreover, incorporating defensive driving techniques and understanding the psychology of other drivers on the road can significantly improve safety. Learning how to anticipate and react to the behavior of others can help prevent accidents and make the roads safer for everyone.
There are many technologies emerging in newer makes and models, such as autopilot, lane and parking assist, touch screens with many distractions, all of which contribute to taking away our reliance on traditional driving skills and increasing our dependence on automated features. Just because automated features exist does not mean that they should replace basic driving skills. For example, autopilot exists on airplanes, but pilots should still know how to control and maneuver the plane. Drivers may be able to use these features, however they should still be able to function without them. Next is a feature that should be added to new cars is a display on the rear of the car indicating the accelerator, brake, and speed inputs. This innovation would enhance safety by allowing the driver behind to anticipate the movements of the car in front, reducing reliance solely on brake lights and turn signals.
I’m not a perfect driver myself. I have hit a couple curbs, been distracted, and whilst I was reversing, an inanimate pole smacked me, leaving the side of my car with a bald spot like my dad. However, I do believe that these imperfections have taught me lessons that have made me realize that driver education in Arizona needs to be improved.
In conclusion, the alarming statistics of fatal car accidents highlight the urgent need for improved education and road safety measures. Viewing driving as a privilege emphasizes the importance of adhering to traffic rules and undergoing comprehensive driver training. By fostering a culture of accountability and incorporating technological innovation, we can significantly reduce accidents and create safer roads. Drive safely, stay alert, and cherish each safe journey home.