Driving

The most risky situation that most people encounter every day is driving or riding in a car, whether they are intoxicated or sober, preoccupied or paying attention. Driving poses a variety of risks in addition to the risks of the road, which are compounded by other drivers who are less focused on the work at hand than oneself. Between the ages of 1 and 34, driving accidents are the leading cause of death in the United States. The Institute for Transportation Engineers estimates that automobile-related accidents claim the lives of 120 persons each day in the United States. Usually, such mishaps can be prevented. If the same number of people died in aviation-related incidents, there would be loud and widespread public indignation. However, most Americans ignore the bloodshed.

There is no doubt that enforcing speed limits, other traffic regulations, laws banning distracted driving, and improving driver education will lower the fatality rate. The majority of Americans (64%) believe they are better drivers than most of their peers despite this carnage. Such assurance appears to be misguided. Next time you're driving, observe the other drivers to determine if you concur. But resist allowing yourself to become sidetracked. You are probably in the greatest danger for the remainder of the day, even if you are the most attentive driver on the road. Good fortune.