Reducing Deaths on the Road

There are many different steps that can be taken every day to reduce the number of deaths on the road. Each individual driver has the ability to make the roadways a safer environment for themselves and other drivers by being mindful of distractions. It is the responsibility of every driver to be mindful of their actions and keep the roads safe. This can be achieved by: putting phones away, obeying speed limits, being a defensive driver, and properly utilizing all safety belts and child restraints as applicable. These practices only take a few extra moments, but they can save a lifetime of suffering. By putting cell phones away when getting behind the wheel, one of the biggest distractions is eliminated. Looking away from the road for just a few seconds is extremely dangerous. Traffic is evermoving and things happen in a split second. Taking just two seconds to read a text message or change the song can lead to head on collisions, veering off the road, and illegally going through traffic lights. All of the examples listed can lead to serious injury and/or death. If a driver needs assistance with directions and needs to use a GPS system, they should invest in a hands-free system or a phone holder. Drivers should enter their destination and then put the phone away, but still in view. For drivers that have a hard time fighting the temptation and urge to check their phones, they might consider putting the phone out of arm's reach before putting the vehicle in motion. Personally, this method works very well. There are also ways to set up an automated message to let those trying to reach you know that you’re driving and will respond at the earliest convenience. The next thing drivers can do to help increase safety and decrease accidents and deaths is obeying speed limits. Speed limits are posted on every road for a reason. If a driver disobeys a speed limit, they increase the risk of hitting another driver or losing control of their car. Most drivers that disobey speed limits are young males and new drivers. This makes it especially dangerous because new drivers do not possess the skills needed to gain control of the vehicle at high speeds. Defensive driving is a very important part of being a safe driver. Defensive driving is being attentive to your own actions as well as the other drivers’ actions. This allows you to maneuver to safety in the event of another’s error. Being attentive to everything happening around you can save lives. It can be hard to stay attentive to everything happening around you while on long drives, but drivers should do everything they can to maintain focus. Some drivers find it helpful to play music they sing along to, let the air conditioning run, or count how many red or blue cars they see. Lastly, utilizing all safety belts and child restraints properly can eliminate fatalities in the event of an accident. Each driver should wear their safety belt and enforce the use of seat belts for each passenger any time the car is in motion. Making sure everyone is buckled in safely before putting the vehicle in drive should be a rule for all drivers. The person in control of the car is liable for anything that happens and should take the lives of passengers seriously. Included in this rule is the use of child restraints such as car seats and booster seats for any child within the legal requirements. It is also suggested that child safety seats are utilized even longer than required by law for maximum protection. Included in proper use is ensuring weight and height of the child is neither under or over requirements. It is also recommended young children be removed from bulky coats and clothing for a more secure fit. For added safety of older children, always place anyone under the age of twelve in the back seats and properly buckled in the vehicle's restraint. There has been a drastic decrease in fatalities since laws have been put in place requiring the use of seat belts. In conclusion, there are a multitude of precautions all drivers can take to reduce the number of deaths as well as serious injury in the event an accident does happen. If every driver did their part, the reported fatalities would decrease even more. It only takes a few extra moments preparing to enter the roadways to ensure the safety of each individual in the vehicle. Being mindful of distractions and taking steps to minimize them and staying attentive at all times behind the wheel is the responsibility of every driver.