A Nation On Wheels, Bleeding From Them

America has a wide variety of cultures due to its size and the mishmash of climates, lifestyles, and demographics. However, there are some aspects that are universal. As befitting of one of its many monikers, “The Nation on Wheels”, automobiles and driving are one of those aspects. It is no surprise either, as cars provide more freedom in transportation than any other method in history. As “the land of the free”, we would of course gravitate towards such luxurious freedom. And, as the “home of the brave”, America did not abandon automobiles even though it knew they are more dangerous than public transportation, because educated and cautious drivers could see it through.

Unfortunately, though, driving is now so entrenched in our culture that many people don’t realize the risks that come with it, so they are not cautious. It is an infuriating situation, because if everyone was cautious and knew the risks, there would be none. But, those who don’t know and are not cautious become the risks. This is why driver’s education and spreading awareness are so important. A simple “Idiots in Cars” compilation on YouTube can plant a seed of vigilance in people (it did for me), so imagine what a driver education course can do. Naturally, such courses are more than a warning to be alert. They are comprehensive resources that cover basic safety precautions, defensive driving techniques, and how to react if you do get into an accident. If everyone on the road were to take these courses, and not just take them to pass the DMV test, but to put them into practice, then the number of casualties each year from accidents and crashes would drop dramatically. This could be accomplished by requiring drivers to take the courses every five to ten years or so, to make sure they know why and how they should utilize what they learn. Instead of being one of the most dangerous aspects of life, driving could become one of the safest.

There are many steps that everyone, including you and me, can take to ensure road safety and reduce casualties. The first and most important one is to utilize your car’s safety system. Seatbelts are there because they are effective. I have not been in a crash, but my neighbor and his friend got into one with a semi-truck. My neighbor survived because he had his seatbelt on, but his friend did not, and died because of it. Seatbelts alone halve the risk of death and injury in a crash, as stated by the Motor Vehicle Safety division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, they should never, under any circumstances, be neglected. However, mitigating the chance of injury in an accident is not good enough; the chance of an accident happening at all must also be minimized. To do that, you must get rid of all distractions while driving, such as your cell phone or food. If you do need to eat or answer an important message or call, stop your car in a safe spot on the side of the road, then do it. That includes hands-free phone calls since even if you are not using your hands, you are still using your brain. And, if you are engaging your brain in anything other than driving, it is considered distracted driving, which is one of the three largest causes of car crashes. Once you remove your distractions, you can focus on following the road safety laws. Failing to do so is considered negligent driving, which is the second of the three causes of crashes. This means paying attention to turn signaling, stop signs and lights, traffic signs, and any conditional rules, such as proper use of headlights during the night. The speed limit is also included in that category, but speeding specifically is such a major reason for accidents that it could be a whole separate category. When driving, always make sure to drive at a speed you are certain is safe. Don’t always rely on the speed limit signs to set your driving speed. After all, in the words of a famous pirate, the speed limits are “more what you’d call ‘guidelines’ than actual rules.” That’s not to say that they are literally not laws or that you should go faster than them, but that you should always consider the road and weather conditions first. The speed limits generally apply to safe and fair driving conditions, so if the conditions are poor, the real limits can be much lower. Finally, never, under any circumstances, drive while impaired. Impaired driving, commonly known as driving under the influence or drunk driving, is the most dangerous of the three major causes of crashes when committed. This is because it often leads to the other two while simultaneously reducing your reflexes and ability to judge distance, speed, and the movement of other vehicles. Even a little bit of alcohol can dangerously debilitate your senses, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be alcohol either. Many substances, even if they are medical, can lead to a reduction in the necessary mental capabilities for driving. As such, if you think you will be under the influence, make sure you have a safe plan to get back, such as an uber or a designated driver.

By following the steps above, I, and anyone else, can become a much safer driver. However, not everyone knows about them. But, by strictly following these steps, I can raise awareness in those I spend time with, like my friends and family. And, awareness of the issue is all it comes down to. We have the resources, we have the solutions, but we don’t have everybody accessing them. By alerting people that there is a problem and a solution, whether it be by social interaction or media, we can potentially save the lives of many. If everyone helps spread the word and makes a conscious effort to be safer drivers, one day, we may not have to pay in blood for the freedom automobiles give us. Maybe one day, we will cease to be a nation on wheels that is bleeding from them.