What were the biggest things you learned while completing this task?
One major thing I learned while completing this task was the seriousness of road incidents. It was disturbing to find out how many lives are annually claimed by texting and driving alone. 1.3 million people die each year globally from road incidents! Many more people also end up either chronically injured or impaired, approximately 50 million drivers are seriously injured annually worldwide. Chilling statistics also put into perspective how dire the issue is. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), two out of three drivers will end up in a car crash eventually at some point in their lifetime.
Additionally, I learned Future projections also suggest texting and driving will continue to accrue in the near future. Queensland is expected to see a 2% increase in drivers texting and driving in the next 4 years, which although may not seem like a significant figure, will translate to several more fatalities. This figure will mostly be made up of young adults, who are the main catalysts for texting and driving. 86% of young adults own a social media account, and 59% of young adults admitted to texting whilst driving according to recent surveys. The most by any age group. A 155% higher chance for young adults to check their phone after a new notification pops up whilst driving.
Furthermore, I learned the impact road incidents have on others. Friends, family members etc will be greatly affected by a potential crash, not just the driver. Studies show the pain felt by significant others of an individual who recently got in a car crash leads to depression, and anxiety and overall damage to their wellbeing/morale. Grief, sorrow and other emotions will take over their livelihood having to live with the fact they lost a loved one for such an avoidable act. I also learnt about the financial impact distracted driving comes with. Depending on the type and severity of the damage, the type of vehicle, where you live, and many more factors. A new Highway Safety (IIHS) report suggests the average cost of vehicle repairs post-accident is just over $4,000. I also learnt Friday nights were reportedly the time period with the most crashes each week, as inheritably people drink and drive more often.
Ultimately, the most important thing I learned from this task was ways I can help myself in everyday life apart from just being on the road. Upon reading ways to prevent texting and driving, the number one method I found was having to be perseverant. You must not let your temptations get the best of you, and remember just not to pick up the phone. This is something you can use in your everyday life, such as trying to improve in a sport or instrument. Through perseverance.
What’s one piece of advice would you pass on to young drivers above all else?
I would advise all young drivers this quote, ” Before you send that text, ask yourself if it’s worth dying for?” A text is an action we do every day, and is viewed as harmless. Putting it in the context of death shows how easily you lose your life over a trivial matter. If you’re driving 60km/h and write up a text, you would’ve driven 33m blindly. It takes a split second to collide and have your life ruined. All for a 5-second text? No matter how urgent, or how badly you may want to pick up your device, remember you will have time later when you finished driving to use your device.
Some Strategies you can use to mitigate your chances of texting whilst driving
- Use apps to monitor your screen time in the car. Look into apps that allow you to lock out texting and cell phone use.
- Leave the phone in the trunk or back seat
- Turn off your Notifications
- Don’t Use Your Phone even at Traffic Lights or Stops, develop good habits.
- Driver with someone who can hold you accountable
A pledge that you will commit to when you start driving:
“I’ll be mindful of how my responsibilities as a driver impact the wellbeing and physical state of others on the road.”
I chose this as my pledge because I want to ensure the safety of not only myself but others. Prioritising everyone is key and everyone must be safe on the road, not just yourself. Every time you hit the road, you now have the responsibility of everyone else’s livelihood. I will commit to it by being a cautious, experienced, aware driver who communicates with others. I will abide by the law at all costs. I will also be committed to this through empathy. I am a human being who has a family and friends. I would feel devastated if one of my family or friends got into an accident. I can understand this and will be a safe driver.
Copy Of My Poster: ^^^