Changing the American Streets

Standing no more than fifty yards away, I remember the shards of glass that lay scattered amidst twisted sculptures of metal. I remember the sound of clashing steel, the monotonous hum of the intersection pierced by a harsh shriek. Most of all, I remember being pulled away from the scene, told that it was an unfortunate accident. Not a crash or a mistake, but an “accident”, as if there was no choice for the driver. In fact, he had to run the red light. He had to disregard all common sense, all teaching. He had to sacrifice the life of another to save a few seconds of his own. He had to.

Is this really the reality of American streets today?

More than 6% of collisions in the U.S. are fatal, equating to nearly 90 deaths every day. Distracted driving remains the top cause of deadly motor vehicle incidents, closely trailed by speeding, alcohol or drug use, and failure to wear a seatbelt. I’ll say it again:

Is this really the reality of American streets today?

The importance of drivers ed simply can’t be denied. Each thoughtless gesture, careless driver, and impulsive shortcut risks irreplaceable human lives. The only way to eradicate these tragedies is to teach proper road safety, beginning with basic traffic maneuvers and rules. Truly, having the knowledge to safely operate a two-ton vehicle is essential before putting rubber to asphalt. Procedures, laws, and guidelines aren’t enough on their own, however.

Drivers ed is as much about skills as it is attitudes. Teaching drivers to take accountability and to prioritize other’s well-being over their own leisure is, perhaps, the most pressing point of drivers ed. Learners need to realize that, as cliche as it sounds, driving is a privilege and that the burden of this lesson falls in the car as much as in the classroom.

I’ve never been personally involved in a crash, but that doesn’t mean I’m guilt-free. 40% of teens say they’ve been in the car with a driver who’s used their cell phone — I’m no different. Being a bystander to irresponsible driving means endorsing that behavior. As a passenger and driver, I have an obligation to speak up and, more aptly, act out. From turning down loud music to stowing mobile devices prior to starting the car, there are several ways to secure my own safety and the safety of others. The simple setting of “do not disturb while driving” could be the five-second difference between life and death; likewise, the GPS and A/C can wait. It’s not a waste of time to limit conversation or avoid eating while in motion, especially when it comes to something as serious as driving.

Lastly, educators and drivers alike need to stop stigmatizing crashes as though they’re completely out of our hands. It’s important to acknowledge that every “accident” stems from a series of decisions. Only by honestly discussing these mistakes can we change the reality of American streets today.