Preventing Car Accidents One Step at a Time

Preventing Car Accidents One Step at a Time

Car accidents are the ninth leading cause of death globally, contributing to 2.2% of deaths worldwide (ASIRT). Unfortunately, many of these accidents and thousands more not involving fatalities are due to completely preventable causes. In fact, distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents (King, Elizabeth L.). With technology becoming increasingly more mobile through cell phones, tablets, and other devices, it becomes more difficult to control how people use such devices while driving. While laws have been passed to limit this activity, it is clear that an improvement in driver education and responsibility is necessary to decrease preventable automotive deaths.

In the United States alone, six million car accidents occur every year. Of these, around 2 million people experience debilitating injuries (Driver Knowledge). Since Drivers ed is not required beyond the age of 16, many older citizens get their driver’s license without proper education of road laws. In addition, practice is essential for perfecting one’s driving skills. Without the proper training and mentors to give young or new drivers advice and critiques, many people could become hurt. While this is not the cause of all car accident related deaths, it would likely significantly decrease those numbers. Additionally, a law should be created in addition to the Drivers ed requirement for 16-year-olds that requires older drivers to complete a slightly less extensive but similar course. Through these actions, all drivers could enjoy safer road conditions knowing that their peers earned their license and are well-educated.

Many of my friends drive irresponsibly, and I take the steps to ensure that they learn about safe driving habits. For example, I offer to read and respond to text messages for them when I am in the back seat. Of course, I am not always there to offer assistance and therefore I encourage them to turn their phones on silent while they drive to resist the temptation. I also informed them of phone mounts that can be placed on the windshield or air vent to prop the phone up in the car. Both of these options are great alternatives to texting and driving. Although laws have been passed attempting to prevent this behavior, many teens still think they are invincible to the effects of texting and driving. In fact, 40% of teens say they have been in the car with a friend using their phone irresponsibly (Driver Knowledge). Therefore, a plan to make it seem more real to teens would likely create a change of behavior within this age group. For example, schools could show a video showcasing a several teens that have been involved or affected by an accident in which distracted driving was the cause. Through this video, hopefully teens will see that texting and driving has real consequences.

Overall, there are many steps that driver can take to attempt to make themselves and others safer drivers. Making drivers ed to some extent mandatory beyond the age of 16 will ensure that older drivers learn the same rules of the road as younger drivers. Providing these new drivers with a mentor that can properly answer their questions about driving situations will allow everyone the opportunity to learn all of the road laws and regulations. Furthermore, many teens especially tend to disobey recent laws that have outlawed cell phone use in vehicles. Finding a way to reach these teenagers, such as a video, by demonstrating the devastating effects their actions can have will make it more likely that these individuals obey the law, rather than defy it. Ultimately, there will always be some form of distracted or irresponsible driver on the road. However, whatever steps we can take to minimize these hazards will make the road an overall safer place.

Works Cited

“Annual Global Road Crash Statistics.” Association for Safe International Road Travel, www.asirt.org/safe-travel/road-safety-facts/. Accessed on 29 March 2020.

“Car Accident Statistics in the U.S.” Driver Knowledge, www.driverknowledge.com/car-accident-statistics/. Accessed 29 March 2020.

King, Elizabeth L. “Top 15 Causes Of Car Accidents And How You Can Prevent Them.” Huffington Post, Published 31 August 2016, Updated 06 December 2017. www.huffpost.com/entry/top-15-causes-of-car-accidents_b_11722196. Accessed on 29 March 2020.