The Difference Between Life and Death: Educated & Attentive Driving

Around 37,000 people die from car accidents a year. 2,100-2,160 of these 37,000 are new drivers. 3,200 people that die are distracted drivers. Young and old drivers have the highest chance of getting into, and possibly dying, from a car accident. For older drivers, it is due to the fact that their cognitive and physical abilities are slowing down. However, for younger drivers, the main reason for accidents is that they are distracted, practicing unsafe behaviors, and are undereducated. So, why is being a safe and educated driver so essential?

When you get onto the road for the first time, you are responsible for three things: yourself, your vehicle, and the safety of those around you. How do you protect yourself and others while driving? One way to keep yourself safe while driving, is to not be distracted. Some of the main ways a driver can get distracted fall into three categories: visual, cognitive, and manual. A may you can get distracted visually, is by taking your eyes off the road ahead. Did you know, you can travel the distance of a football field by just looking down for 5 seconds? Cognitive ways to get distracted are when you’re not fully focused on driving. For instance, you’re having a heartfelt or difficult conversation, children are fighting in the backseat, or you’re listening to music so loudly that you can’t hear yourself think. This can take your mind off driving, and in just a few seconds everything can change. Finally, there is manual. One of the ways that you can get distracted manually, is by taking your hands off the steering wheel because if you do, you are no longer in control of your vehicle. A few other common manual distractions are the following listed: texting, eating, drinking, smoking, etc. However, distractions like drinking, smoking, and drugs, can also affect your cognitive abilities while operating a vehicle. The chemical effects on the brain can also cause blurry vision, dizziness, nausea, and a slow reaction time. Not only does being a distracted driver effect you, it also effects the other individuals who are on the road. So, to keep yourself and others safe, avoid all manual, cognitive, and visual distractions and be proactive.

But how else can I keep myself and others safe? Well the answer is simple, maintenance and knowing your vehicle. In order to be safe and educated, you should know where everything in your vehicle is (Ex: Check engine light, speedometer, directionals, fuel gauge, etc.). This could help you to identify possible problems your vehicle may have. Maintenance. Maintenance is probably one of the most important things about your vehicle. Some monthly maintenance your car may require is an oil change, checking tire pressure, and refilling/changing fluids (Ex: windshield wiper fluid). Some of the more yearly/seasonal maintenance are rotating tires, checking the battery, replacing brake pads, etc. By having knowledge and doing basic maintenance on your vehicle, you can avoid possible accidents and break downs that involve an issue your with your vehicle

How can this problem be fixed then? That is most likely the final question your brain is asking you. Drivers test. Yes, a possible fix to uneducated and distracted drivers is a drivers test. To get your permit you have to take a test on basic road safety and pass it with a score not lower than 75. In order to get your drivers license, you have to pass a written and physical test. The written test will test your knowledge on roar safety. The physical test judges if you know the functions of your vehicle, basic safety while driving (look both ways, seatbelt on, etc.), and if you can operate it properly. The test should have to be retaken every 10-15 years in order to determine if the operator still has the cognitive and physical ability to operate the vehicle. By doing this, it could possibly prevent a large number of accidents relating to age.

Overall, everyone should know this. Individuals should be aware and educated on the visual, cognitive, and manual distractions that may occur when driving and what they can result in. Drivers should know and understand their vehicle as well as the basic maintenance that comes along with it. Finally, individuals should be required to retake their test for their license every 10-15 years after they originally obtain it. These precautions could possibly help to decrease the number of accidents related to being a distracted and uneducated driver. Overall, the importance of being educated and attentive while driving should never be overlooked, as it can make the difference between life and death.