Double, Tripple Check

Look both ways before you cross, or make a move. The CDC uncovered that over 1 million individuals lose their lives annually, on roadways globally. (Road Traffic Injuries and Deaths—A Global Problem, 2023) Reputable organizations have uncovered some interesting facts related to motor vehicle incidents. When operating vehicles, one needs to understand that this tool used for transport is a large weapon. The importance of understanding, and retaining such information can be the difference between life and death. Allowing for a more pensive, aware, and proactive nature, while behind the wheel, or riding passenger. Abide by the laws of the road, making sure to be vigilant of signs, variables, and one’s internal state.

Anger is human nature, but being in control of such an affect, can lead to a safer road environment. Nobody likes to be cut off, brake checked, or honked at. Road rage is a term established to define the poor internal state of individuals on the road. Although incidents may not always be your fault, what happens after is. One needs to remember that outside events must not be held on to. For example if one is laid off, and lash out at a fellow driver because they honked 1/10th of a second after the light change, keep in mind that it’s bigger than oneself. Instead of one driver being in the wrong, by keeping yourself in check, both are now in the wrong, for stooping to the level of irrational inconsideration. Checking one’s state of being can improve the likelihood of survival for all parties. The adage, “turn the other cheek”, is an important saying to keep in mind, when confronted by less skilled, or inconsiderate drivers. Anger is like an illegal substance, because it blinds one’s cognitive/ logical reasoning. Relative to alcohol, yet less severe, since the emotion acts as an inhibitor. Thus, dulling the senses, leading individuals to act irrationally. Road rage is an unavoidable fact, due to the fact that human nature “is king”. Even so, humans are still powerful, and strong willed, allowing for miracles to happen. One can improve one’s own state, by proactively becoming confident in oneself, improving empathy for others, and taking classes which help decrease such instinctive outbursts.

Meditations, sutras/ chants, emotional control classes, logical processes, keen awareness, and many more tactics can improve the overall safety while on roads. People are imperfect beings, and mistakes are unavoidable, so when on the road it is important to ask yourself some questions. “Why am I upset about the recent actions, truly?” Did this individual wake up on the “wrong side of the bed”? There are many factors/ variables involved with the actions people take. One can be rushed due to a medical emergency, being late for work, or mentally inept. Some people are incapable of empathy, ethics, or consideration, so one should try their best to not fault others for their mental shortcomings. Being aware of this can lead to a safer space for all vehicular operators, but more importantly yourself. Practicing driver/ road safety is more beneficial for oneself. If not for others, then do it for your safety, for your family. Be considerate enough to understand that every individual on the road is like you.

Driver’s education is of the utmost importance. Knowledge is key, and without it, humans would have undoubtedly had a more difficult time in advancing civilization up to this point. Knowledge of herbs, poisonous animals, and other fields lead to prolonging health/ vitality. The road is no different, with knowledge comes power, and subsequently, greater responsibility. Institutions provide an educated understanding of laws, rules, and practices. Utilization of blinkers, yielding to pedestrians & gargantuan vehicles, checking 3 times before making a move, respect oncoming traffic upon light change, sign distinctions, proper mirror positionings, proper tint levels, distinguishing blind spots, etcetera, can all reduce the chance of death, no matter how miniscule. Such principles allow for an increased probability of one abiding by the rules, as well as an improved likelihood of survival. Indeed I have been in the presence of irresponsible motor operations, but in the end the consequences corrected such irresponsibility.

In conclusion, keeping one’s emotions in check & practicing empathy, understanding human nature & road signs, as well as remaining vigilant at all times, would improve the terrible odds of operating a motor vehicle, and succumbing to those unfavorable odds. The CDC started, “Crash injuries are estimated to be the eighth leading cause of death globally for all age groups and the leading cause of death for children and young people 5–29 years of age.” (Road Traffic Injuries and Deaths—A Global Problem, 2023) Vehicle deaths are more prominent in low income nations. Vehicular incident deaths are more hazardous to human life, than human immunodeficiency viruses, or Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome afflicted incident deaths. Deaths due to aids decreased by 68% since its peak in 2004, as well as by 52% since 2010. While aid death levels reduced, with time, vehicle related deaths seemed to increase. Professionals at UNAIDS.org found, “In 2021, around 650 000 [510 000–860 000] people died from AIDS-related illnesses worldwide, compared to 2.0 million [1.6 million–2.7 million] people in 2004 and 1.4 million [1.1 million–1.8 million] people in 2010.” (UNAIDS, 2022) Vehicular deaths have surpassed the death tolls of venereal diseases, as of present years. On a global level, approximately 650,000 “people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2021”. (UNAIDS, 2022)

References

Road Traffic Injuries and Deaths—A Global Problem. (2023, January 10). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

UNAIDS. (2022). Global HIV & AIDS statistics — Fact sheet.