Concuring the Casualties

In 2021, data states fatal automobile accidents accounted for the deaths of 42,915 people. This incredibly high number is hard to fathom. These deaths have a traumatic impact on communities across the nation.

Taking a drivers education course equips students with knowledge, skills, and hands on experience that is vital to becoming a safe driver. Having easier access to these types of educational programs is important. I personally would like to see drivers’ education become a required prerequisite to obtaining drivers licenses. Putting these types of programs in every high school would also be incredibly effective for educating young, inexperienced drivers.

There are many ways to lower the occurrence of fatal accidents. I have several ideas on how we can make these accidents decrease. In this age, cell phone use is almost constant for many people. Using cell phones while driving is incredibly dangerous, providing numerous distractions. An estimated 400 people cause fatal accidents each year while texting and driving. I have a solution for this problem. Cell phone manufacturers need to create a safety feature on all cellphones that accuratly detect when one is driving. While driving, all voice calls need to go to voicemail. Texts will not show up until the driver reaches their destination. The text option would not function, and no calls will be allowed to connect, except 911. This lifesaving feature would be a fantastic addition to every cell phone.

Another way I feel we can decrease the number of fatal accidents is requiring each licensed driver to retake a driving test before license renewal can occur. Often, drivers get overconfident and complacent while driving. Many people believe that driving is a right, but it is a privilege, and one that should not be taken lightly. I have seen numerous near miss accidents occurring while a senior citizen was at the wheel. Poor health, vision issues, and deteriorating cognitive ability will greatly affect the safety of one’s driving. Having to take a simple driving test will help weed out ones that should no longer be on the road.

About 10,000 deaths per year, close to one third of all fatal automobile accidents are caused by drunk driving. There are several ways to reduce the occurrence of driving under the influence. In the state where I reside, the first DUI offense is punishable by a brief 72 hours (about 3 days) in jail, and a minimum of a $1,500 fine. Their license is then revoked for 90 days (about 3 months). This punishment seems especially mild and ineffective. Jail times and fines need to be significantly increased to deter offences. For example, a teacher at my current high school received a DUI last week. He spent some time in jail and was back teaching a few days later. This seems incredibly wrong to me! These offenders need punished to the fullest extent of the law! The higher fines collected could be used for education.

In continuing with the issue of driving under the influence, I feel every establishment that serves alcohol should have a breathalyzer readily available for patrons to use at their own discretion.
While this would not prevent all intoxicated people from driving home, it would at least assist in preventing a few from driving.

Living in Alaska can often make driving treacherous. We are faced with snow, ice, and many narrow, unmaintained gravel roads. I have seen so many near miss accidents since I received my driver’s license. A common issue is misjudging the braking distance needed on icy surfaces. Even with the aid of studded tires, many individuals, especially young inexperienced drivers slide through intersections, red lights, and turns. Giving yourself plenty of braking distance and increasing the distance between yourself and the car in front of you is vital to safely drive in the winter.

I consider myself to be a very safe driver. My commute to school takes 30 minutes, and I am responsible for taking my 3 younger sisters to school. There is always room to improve one’s driving ability. To be a safe driver, I keep my speed at or under the posted speed limit, and when I am a passenger, I encourage others to do the same. I give myself plenty of time to travel to my destination, so I can drive appropriately for road conditions. I do not make calls, answer calls, or send test messages while I drive. I encourage my often-rambunctious sisters to stay quiet, to limit distractions while I am driving.

I have listed many ways to be a safe, cautious driver. I believe if my ideas for reducing fatal car accidents were implemented, it would have an enormous impact on these alarming statistics, and our roadways would be much safer.