Driving with Distractions

Driving with Distractions

In August of 2019, when I took my electronic driving test at the local DMV, I left knowing nothing about the common dangers on the road such as drunk driving, texting and driving, and tired driving. I educated myself through personal research and my parents own driving horror stories to find out that distracted driving was such a prominent issue that almost everyday I drove, I could spot somebody distracted on the road. I quickly learned that driving was simple, but driving around others was the real danger. Education has the power to prevent some of these everyday dangers by ensuring people know the true risk of their actions. Alongside proper education, stricter laws should be put in place to penalize drivers who willingly put themselves and others in danger through substances and distractions.

Repeat offenders (people who have gotten more than one DWI) have been shown to account for up to one third of all the accidents involving drunk driving each year. The CDC has found that installing interlock ignition devices (devices that require the driver to blow into a breathalyzer before the engine can be turned on) in the cars of offenders have reduced repeat offenses by 70%. In addition, interlocks track the driver’s BAC level every single time they start their car allowing probation officers to monitor offenders’ drinking and driving behavior. This can also help reduce repeat offenses by allowing officers to decide when the best time to uninstall the device would be according to the driver’s history.

Instead of issuing fines and tickets for exhausted, texting, or drunk drivers, they should complete mandatory courses educating themselves on the dangers of fatigue and using a phone while driving along with paying a small fee. There is no guarantee that new knowledge will change the minds of drivers that are convinced their tendency to go on their phone or drive late at night is harmless. However, we do know that tickets rarely prevent drivers from offending again. They may stop for a little in fear of getting another fine, but eventually, they return to their old habits convinced the ticket was an unlucky occasion that will not occur again. If they are educated, however, instead of choosing to drive with no distractions because they are afraid of the law, they might decide to drive with no distractions because they know the potential consequences.

As a voting citizen, I can vote for law changes in my area that will hold offenders more accountable for their actions and change the punishments for certain driving offenses. I can lead by doing and choose to put down the phone when I get a text in the car instead of struggling to answer it while I switch lanes. Most importantly, I can educate myself about the problems we face on the road, such as distracted drivers so I can spread awareness and accurate information. Change truly does begin with proper education.