A Simple Solution to a Major Problem

A Simple Solution to a Major Problem

I was driving home from baseball practice and as I approached an intersection, I spotted a red Ford F-150 truck that was not stopping for the light. I honked the horn as I immediately slammed on the brakes. He tried to avoid hitting me and swerved into the opposing lane. Unfortunately, my brakes locked and my car slid into the front of his truck. Thankfully, no one was injured.

The driver who caused the accident had a blood alcohol content double the legal limit (0.16%). Once I found this out, I was determined to do everything in my power to not be in a situation like that ever again. This accident piqued my curiosity regarding driving accidents involving drunk or impaired drivers and what impact they have on our Society.

My research quickly identified that the leading cause of deaths in motor vehicles in the United States is from people who are driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. I quickly became interested in finding out how that number could be lowered.

Through my research related to DUIs, I learned of a few solutions that I believe will lower the number of fatal crashes caused by DUIs and possibly eliminate the problem altogether:

• Increase the current penalties for driving under the influence. Change a first-time offense to include a fine, jail time, and automatic 90-day suspension of license. In addition, I would permanently revoke a driver’s license after the third offense.

• Require that all vehicles have a monitoring device, such as an ignition interlock that measures alcohol on a driver’s breath and prevents the engine from starting if the driver is under the influence.

• Use mass media campaigns through commercials and billboard ads in addition to social media ads to persuade people not to drink and drive.

• Encourage school-based instructional programs to teach teens not to drive under the influence and not to ride with drunk drivers.

• Enforce the minimum legal drinking age laws and adopt a zero tolerance for drivers under the age of 21.

No matter what the laws are, drivers need to make personal decisions that will ensure safety on the roads:

• If you are drinking—don’t drive. It’s that simple. Take a taxi or call for an Uber or Lyft.

• Choose a designated driver every time you go out with a group. You don’t really need alcohol to have a good time.

• Never feel pressured to drink alcohol.

Safety on the road entails more than refraining from drug or alcohol use. Cell phone use can be a road hazard as well. Through drivers ed, I learned that it is important to be attentive and be aware of my surroundings when driving. Limiting distractions is an important step to help avoid accidents. When I am driving, my phone is locked in the glove compartment, which ensures I am not distracted.

All of these efforts can reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries. Don’t be a statistic. Each one of us can make a difference.