America and driving go hand-in-hand. This common mode of transportation often comes with poor human choices. Aggressive driving, distracted driving, careless & reckless driving, and driving under the influence all go hand-in-hand with driving and thus the death toll of driving. In perspective, the annual death rate in the United States from fatal accidents is higher than the Iraq war and the Afghanistan war combined. While these reasons for car accidents can seem unavoidable, there are ways one can mitigate these dangers on the road. In my perspective, an overarching method is simply more driver instruction and education. This would greatly help people grasp the dangers of driving, not only for themselves, but also for those humans around them. Since I currently live in Colorado, I figured it fair to speak to the issues involved around this topic specific to Colorado. And, because this is an issue in the total of the United States, I will certainly speak to the larger picture as well.
From my perception and the perception of many, the greatest threat to human life on the roads of Colorado is most probably the sheer numbers of aggressive drivers on the roads. It is commonplace to have a car or two cut you off, as if it is a normal way of driving. More so, tailgating, often at high speeds, is common; it is seemingly a cultural norm. To add, taking corners at reckless speeds is again all too common. As is known in Colorado and in many states here in the states, there are often snowstorms and freezing temperatures; unfortunately, these conditions are often ignored. For many these poor road conditions do not seem to deter from this recklessness. On top of it all, from my experience, there are often drivers in the passing lane (far left lane) driving the speed limit or just below. Although, at first glance this does not seem to be a problem, it really is. Often because of this, drivers pass on the right side. This is not only illegal, as I understand it, it is extremely dangerous. All these reasons drastically contribute to car wrecks and therefore the loss of life. In Colorado alone there were over 800 deaths this year. In the United States there were over 40 thousand annual deaths that come from driving accidents.
Distracted driving is a significant contributor to car accidents and subsequent deaths. People driving, especially in Colorado, have a ridiculously challenging time staying off their phones or often putting their priority elsewhere, and not on the road where it should be. It is estimated that over 3000 driving deaths in America resulted from distracted drivers, which again, enforces the need for education about the dangers of distracted driving.
While these two reasons are extremely important to the number of deaths per year, I would argue careless and reckless driving is far worse. Having its own death toll, 33% of all deaths regarding car crashes come from reckless and irresponsible driving. That equates to around eleven thousand two hundred human lives lost each year. As mentioned before, I believe driver education is the key to preventing such unnecessary deaths. However, the current methods of education for the newly anointed drivers are seemingly irresponsibly assessed. From personnel experience, the driver’s test here in Colorado will pass people who, amongst other things, demonstrate this reckless driving. It makes it easy for reckless drivers to get on the road and leads to many drivers not realizing the dangers of their driving. This extremely deadly way of driving can easily be avoided by having more informed drivers, drivers that understand that their reckless and careless driving affects more than just themselves, but others around them. Furthermore, the lack of appropriate regulations, or simply the lack of enforcement of current laws, allow this continued reckless driving and thus allowing it to be a norm in Colorado and seemingly in the States as a whole.
It is no secret in America that people drive under the influence, and it is no secret that it is the leading cause of fatal accidents in America. This happens because people either are not in the right mind to think clearly about their actions, or they genuinely believe that they can drive perfectly normally under the influence. These people usually end up dying, or worse killing others, in fatal car accidents. More awareness towards this fact and harsher consequences could be put into effect to deal with these drivers. While I have not been in a car accident, numerous people from my family to my friends have been in accidents. My father was in an accident, many years ago, and still suffers migraines and different body aches from the incident. Even though he suffers, the fault was from the other driver. This specific incident and the continued consequence of this accident, gives me a first hand glance at the true horrors of driving and what the consequences can be. It also gives me an outside perspective on it.
In conclusion drivers should be held responsible in a higher regard; furthermore, longer, and more rigorous teachings should be in effect, as well as required, for all new drivers. Currently, young drivers under the age of 18 usually are required to take a driver’s training class. However, anyone 18 years or older getting their license for the first time does not need training, all they need is to pass the test As such, more driver’s instruction would greatly help people grasp the dangers of driving and understand the rules of the road.