Drivers around here really suck.  Maybe you don’t like my language, but you still probably agree with me.  And I’m going to give you my two cents worth as to why I think that is.  #1 – distractions; #2 – lack of personal responsibility; #3 – lack of capability. 

#1 Distractions:  Distractions are the obvious culprit for why there are so many bad drivers on the road today.  People are more focused on their phoone or text conversations or email communications on their cell phones/smart phones.  More and more business people have computers in their cars, which provide an oh-so-tempting distraction while driving.  And don’t forget the DVD players installed in cars, SUVs and minivans of all the moms and dads out there.  Sure, it keeps the kids from being a distraction, but can’t you see how the movie could be a distraction?

#2 Lack of Personal Responsibility:  Let’s face it – people don’t accept responsibility for their actions anymore.  It is always someone else’s fault.  Spill a cup of hot coffee in your lap?  Surely you didn’t fumble the cup and place it on precariously on your lap – so it must be McDonald’s fault.  Same thing on the road.  That is why you see drivers rolling through stop signs and running red lights, weaving in and out of traffic, speeding through town and school zones.  Because if something bad happens, of course it won’t be your fault.  Blame it on the person who was driving too slow in front of you.  Blame it on the person with the right-of-way who didn’t see you coming or didn’t get out of your way fast enough.  Blame it on the kid who was talking to friends while getting of the bus – he should have been paying attention! 

#3 – Lack of Capability: This really covers a lot of different situtations.  The drivers who are impared from alcholol, illegal drug use, or legal prescription use.  It also incorporates young drivers who haven’t developed the reflexes and skills that come with experience behind the wheel.  And finally, it includes our aging population who maybe shouldn’t be driving anymore, but are reluctant to give up the freedom that it represents.

So what are the costs associated with lousy drivers (regardless of the reason)?  In a one-year period, the cost of medical care and productivity losses associated with injuries from motor vehicle crashes exceeded $99 billion – with the cost of direct medical care accounting for $17 billion, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The total annual cost amounts to nearly $500 for each licensed driver in the United States, said the study in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention. See the CDC press release.

The one-year costs of fatal and non-fatal crash-related injuries totaled $70 billion (71 percent of total costs) for people riding in motor vehicles, such as cars and light trucks, $12 billion for motorcyclists, $10 billion for pedestrians, and $5 billion for bicyclists, the study said.

So the message here is that getting in an accident ain’t cheap.  Slow down, take your time, put away the cell phone, turn off all electronic devices when you are driving and be present and aware.  If you are taking medications that can impair your ability to drive a car, stay home or get a ride.   Don’t even think about driving if you are drinking or doing drugs – you might get what you deserve, but the innocent victim of your irresponsibility doesn’t.  If you are young use common sense, practice in less trafficed areas when possible, and follow all of the advice above.  And if you are elderly, talk to your family about whether you should consider retiring your driver’s license.  These steps won’t just keep you safe, it will keep your passengers and the other travelers on the road safe as well.

And, if you do get in a car accident, be sure to seek quality, competent medical care from a reputable doctor.  Dr. Remmel has been treating patients who have been injuried in automobile accidents for over 30 years.  If you can’t see him, see someone that is recommended by someone you know and trust.  Don’t call a “doctor and attorney referral service.”  They aren’t about getting you better, they are about making money off of you.

Posted by Laurie Puckett at Remmel Wellness Center, a full service wellness and chiropractic facility located in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida.