Distracted Driving

As much as we would all like to be perfect drivers and admit to no wrongdoing the reality is that we are far from being so. It is often the case in which we engage in dangerous driving habits that can have detrimental consequences because we have an unconscious need to multitask while driving.

As I begin my own driving journey I can’t help recalling the negative experiences that were finely demonstrated by my own parents that impacted my life in such a way that I want to be a better driver. Allow me to share the story of how my parents texting and driving habits scare me to the core and how their actions were very irresponsible.

It was undoubtedly the scariest feeling to see my parents texting and driving while I sat in the back seat of the car holding on to the seat belt as a lifeline. I could only imagine the worst case scenario unfolding in my head as I consider all the things that could go wrong. I am in complete and utter shock to see how my own parents failed to consider the possible consequences of their actions, and how their careless actions can harm their loved ones and those around them.

This example is a clear reason why I think that distracted driving is a big problem in the United States. In recent years we have seen an increase in the use of high tech devices that have caused drivers to become even more distracted behind the wheel. By exploring the use of cell phones for texting and driving we can begin to understand this epidemic. As a society, we can build on the existing framework to continue to bring awareness and attention to this important issue to make our roads safer for everyone.

In the United States from 2012 to 2019, more than 26,000 fatalities were reported in crashes involving distracted drivers based on information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This reckless behavior is preventable yet it contributes more to fatalities and injuries globally. The Virginia Tech Institute has conducted a study that shows that distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a road accident either by causing it or by not being able to avoid it. In addition, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that young drivers who send and receive text messages take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds while texting. At 55 miles per hour, this means that the driver is traveling the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road. It is for that reason that the US has enacted laws banning cell phone use while driving.

Driving education is very important and should be a fundamental part of drivers’ upbringing. It should be designed to help equip drivers with the tools and knowledge needed to make rationable cognitive decisions while driving to he help reduce the number of fatalities on the road and become safer drivers. Many local, state, and national campaigns have been created to target unwise drivers in order to help them change behind the wheel habits. It is for that reason that The U Drive U Text U Pay campaign was created to remind drivers of the legal consequences of texting while driving and the potential dangers associated with doing so. On the other hand, the Decide to Drive campaign mission is to inform drivers of potential habits that increase distractions while driving. It also provides tools and techniques that help reduce such risks. The California ADD XII Grant is funded to support and aid law enforcement in educating, and raising awareness in our communities about the consequences of distracted driving. Platforms such as radio, billboards, social media, tv, streaming services are being used to inform the public of the statistics, and the different ways they can support the ongoing efforts to educate drivers. The goal is that more people can make rational decisions while driving to prevent accidents on the road, reduce fatalities, and contribute to road safety.

Perhaps the solution to this growing problem may lie in continuing to educate the public and finding ways to effectively manage technology. For starters, turning on the Do Not Disturb mode on our phones will help reduce the need to check our phones regularly. Ultimately, the goal is to become a safer and responsible driver in order to help reduce the alarming number of road fatalities reported each year. Only by doing our part can we all achieve the goal of making our roads safer for everyone.