Distracted Driving: A Persuasive Essay

by Sarah, 7th grade

Distracted and drunk driving are dangerous endeavors. They have caused many deaths and fatal situations, injuring both drivers and pedestrians. I believe that distracted and drunk driving should be stopped once and for all.

Fatalities occur every day because of distracted and or drunk drivers. About 40,000 people, on average, are killed in car crashes every year in the U.S. Imagine a plane, full of people, that crashes and everyone dies. That is about the same amount of people who die daily due to vehicle crashes. The death toll for a single day can be from 45 up to 252 people. The main reasons for these crashes are distracted and drunk driving.

There are many interferences that can distract a driver. Texting and calling are among the most fatal distractions. Many people today think that new technology in cars, such as eyes-free voice control Siri help reduce conflict on the road. This is also a type of distraction. Additionally, Siri does not always pick up everything you say to it. Car controls are another form of distraction. Drivers trying to navigate or change the heating are distracted and may crash. Drunk driving is another reason for accidents.

Drunk drivers cannot control a car very well, leading to crashes. Late nights, weekends, and holidays have the most crash fatalities. About half of New Year’s Day crashes are because of alcohol impairment. In 2005, on July 4th, the 161 deaths were a result of too much alcohol.

To help stop the many deaths and casualties caused by distracted and drunk drivers, stricter rules can be enforced. Policemen can be trained specially to be on the lookout for distracted and drunk drivers. Everyday drivers can also help out in preventing distracted and drunk driving. Drivers can stay away from distractions and things that can affect their driving, especially alcohol. Many countries have already taken action to help prevent drunk drivers. For example, a nightclub in Singapore has toilets that can detect whether or not a person is drunk. The detector in the toilet scans a person’s urine for alcohol. When the person leaves, a sign in the front by the parking lot tells them to either take a taxi home or can drive home.

Distracted and drunk driving has a huge impact on our society today. Over a hundred people die in a day because of crashes. Don’t be drunk or distracted while driving. Your life and others’ are on the line.