What Can YOU Do?

What
Can YOU Do?

Driving-related
deaths are one of the highest factors in the country. Educating the
general public on the risks of driving and prevention of accidents is
highly necessary and will lower the number of deaths due to driving
incidents.

I
believe that there are many ways to do so, even for those who are
young and feel that their voice is not as important. First, we could
contact our local governments and propose better laws to address
these issues. Certain states and local areas have instituted measures
like sobriety checkpoints to combat drunk driving. A stricter method
of license suspensions may also have a great effect on safe driving.
Another opportunity could include requiring educational classes on
driving, risks, and accident prevention methods – both in schools
and in the community.

Additionally, some
cars have been installed with ignition interlock devices. This is a
great option for preventing driving under the influence: the car will
not start until the driver breathes into the device and the blood
alcohol content is assessed.

A third option to prevent driving-related deaths is to spread
information about these risks via social/mass media. We have the
ability to share material on so many different platforms, and this
information can reach thousands of people within seconds. This method
could save many lives if we used the media for this purpose.

Although I have
never been involved in an accident myself, I have witnessed the
effects of family and friends who have suffered because of a drunk
driver. There are many steps we can take to prevent unsafe driving
and accidents.

First of all, we
should turn off our phones when driving. Some devices even have a “Do
Not Disturb” option that senses when the user is driving and will
not let them access the phone. This even includes the option to send
a text message to everyone who attempts contact with the user while
driving, letting them know that the driver is unable to reply at the
moment. With applications such as messaging, social media, and more,
there are many reasons people feel compelled to reach for their
phones while driving. Simply turning off the phone can prevent so
many distractions from occurring.

In addition,
distractions such as eating or applying makeup in the car should be
avoided. These can slow a driver’s reaction time and increase the
potential for an accident to occur. In fact, drivers who are eating
or drinking are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a crash than
attentive drivers. We should also remain strict on addressing drunk
driving. To prevent accidents caused by DUI, do not drink before
getting in the driver’s seat, and refrain from riding with a driver
who has been drinking.

We
must follow these steps, as well as encourage others to do the same.
Even students, who may believe they do not have a great sphere of
influence, can help by spreading info at school, creating posters,
sharing social media, and so much more.