Driving the Roads Together

Did you know the United States has more vehicle-related accidents than any other country? In 2018, there were over two million motor vehicle accidents in the U.S.. The worst part? Over 37,000 deaths occurred in those accidents. Sadly, the number of driving related deaths continues to increase. In 2021, traffic deaths grew to over 42,000 in the United States.

In response to the growing trend of motor vehicle accidents and deaths, the United States Department of Transportation launched the National Roadway Safety Strategy. This strategy involves several steps, including education, awareness, technology, infrastructure, and more. The NRSS calls on every citizen to commit to making America’s roads safer. We are driving the road together. Together we can make driving less dangerous.

The first step to lower the number of accidents and deaths is to educate drivers of all ages. Every driver must receive proper education before receiving a license. Receiving a driver’s license should require harder testing and a longer training period. Currently, it is too easy to obtain a license. (I cannot believe I am saying this, but it is true!) A stronger testing program would directly lead to more experienced young drivers, resulting in fewer accidents. In addition, I believe current drivers of all ages should periodically take a refresher course on road rules and regulations, as well as demonstrate their physical ability to drive. This could reduce physical impairment related accidents and deaths. Education not only involves teaching drivers. It is important to inform pedestrians and cyclists of safety measures they should take. This will help ensure they are not a victim of – or the cause of – a traffic accident.

A substantial portion of traffic deaths are related to drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs. The penalty for violating these laws should continue to be stricter to discourage drivers from getting behind the wheel when they are using these substances. At the same time, more resources should be available for those who are struggling with substance abuse. However, I feel many substance-related traffic injuries and deaths are not caused by addicts. For example, someone who does not drink often may have a couple of drinks and not realize that their senses are impaired until it is too late. In my state of Tennessee, I have been seeing more signs and billboards about “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.” This type of message may be more relatable to the public. Also, I am not certain that people take heed to prescription drug warnings about impaired driving. I think a targeted public safety campaign on this topic would help reduce traffic fatalities. Hopefully, these types of campaigns will reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road.

Another way to help reduce traffic accidents and deaths is by continued and non-stop campaigns for drivers and passengers to wear their seatbelts. This education should take place in schools and workplaces in addition to commercials and social media campaigns. Personally, I have noticed more police offers writing tickets for this offense, and I fully support their efforts. It is such a simple habit to implement. I keep reminding my parents daily to buckle up. We should all do the same for our family and friends. I do not let anyone ride in my car if they do not click it. People take this life-saving step for granted.

The biggest area where I feel my generation can help reduce driving deaths is distracted driving – more specifically – texting while driving. The NHSTA states that over 3,500 people died in the United States in 2021 from distracted driving. I see so many people my age texting, Snapchatting, taking pictures, and flipping through music on their phones while driving their car. I wish I could say I was perfect and that I never did it. But I would be lying. However, I have made a strong effort to stop. I continue to get better every day. I encourage my family and friends to put the phone down if they are driving while I am in the car. I now use my “do not disturb” option on my phone. One of my friends is so tech-addicted, she leaves her phone in her car trunk when she drives!

It is not just my generation that is guilty. If we are honest, we all can think of times we have been distracted while driving. Every day I see adults (of ALL ages) using their phone when they should not. While I agree that teen drivers are the major technology offenders, but we can all do our part. Each state has its own laws. Law enforcement must enforce these laws. Where I live, I do not see or hear of people who receive citations for texting while driving. Most of my friends are not even worried about getting in trouble. Neither are the adults I know. Laws will not help unless they are consistently enforced.

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has called on our nation to help make our roads safer. He believes traffic safety is one of the most overlooked causes of death in our nation. I agree with him. Traffic deaths are preventable. The steps we can take are actionable. Every American – even non-drivers – can do their part to make our roads safer. We drive the road together. Let us make them safer – together.