As we all know, there are times when it’s best to stay off the roads, like on New Year’s Eve. My wife and I are cautious about venturing out during such times. However, when it comes to driving in challenging weather conditions, we sometimes make decisions that can put us at risk without even realizing it.
Recently, my wife B was eager to visit her grandkids in New Jersey. Her previous trip had been canceled due to illness in the family, and she was determined not to miss out this time. Despite the impending bad weather forecast, she initially thought she could still make the drive. But deep down, she was apprehensive about navigating through potentially hazardous road conditions with heavy traffic and uncertain icy patches.
I offered to accompany her on the trip, although I secretly believed canceling would be the safer option. Eventually, she decided to postpone the visit, which turned out to be a wise choice. The predicted rain and slush persisted throughout the day, making the journey treacherous and unpleasant.
Driving has become a source of anxiety for me, especially on crowded highways where speeders, tailgaters, and aggressive drivers abound. The roads have become increasingly perilous, as highlighted in a recent CNN article describing how this cultural phenomenon is claiming too many American lives.
Historically, vehicle fatalities in the U.S. reached a peak in the late 1970s and remained high until safety improvements like seatbelts and airbags helped reduce the numbers. However, since 2012, there has been a concerning uptrend in auto-related deaths that shows no signs of abating. Disturbingly, the year 2022 recorded over 42,000 fatalities, an increase from the previous years, and the figures for 2023 are expected to be even higher.
The root of this issue lies in several factors, including reckless driving habits such as speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving. Another significant contributor is the prevalence of oversized vehicles like SUVs that are becoming larger and heavier with each passing year.
SUVs and tall trucks pose a particular threat due to their design, which obstructs visibility and creates blind spots that endanger pedestrians and smaller vehicles on the road. The rise in pedestrian fatalities, reaching a 40-year high in 2022, can be partly attributed to the dominance of larger and heavier SUVs.
While these larger vehicles may offer a false sense of safety for their occupants, they pose a greater risk to others on the road, contribute to road damage, increase pollution, and escalate fuel costs. It’s evident that a shift towards smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles is necessary to address these pressing concerns.
In the absence of substantial government intervention, it is up to individuals to make mindful choices about the vehicles they purchase and drive. By opting for smaller, environmentally friendly vehicles, we can contribute to safer roads, reduced pollution, and lower fuel consumption.
As we navigate our way through daily routines and responsibilities, it is important to remember the importance of safe driving practices, especially now as schools reopen. Let’s make a conscious effort to prioritize road safety and make responsible choices behind the wheel.
