Giving a speech about car accidents?

Vince M

How about the idea that there really is no such thing as a car accident.

I suppose that if a meteor came crashing down and smashed a car, THAT would be an accident. All right, more likely, a bolder tumbles down a mountain side and knocks a car off the road and down an embankment. No one could anticipate this; perhaps the crash was humanly unavoidable. THIS would be a true accident.

But, car collisions almost ALWAYS have a CAUSE, usually human, and this would take the definition of "accident" right out. A collision occurs when SOMEONE does something they shouldn't have, or fails to do something they should have. Someone missed a stop sign. Someone was driving too fast for conditions. Someone didn't allow himself enough sleep. Someone neglected to check his tire pressure. Someone was distracted by a cell phone conversation.

The resulting car crash from these causes are, then, NO ACCIDENT.

I suggest that if we would properly label these collisions and NOT refer to them as "accidents" then we would all be more likely to take responsibility for our own actions, instead of blaming wet roads, unsafe cars and, "other drivers" for not getting out of our way.

Victor B

How about going with the truth. Slowing traffic down from 65-55 didn't lower the number of accidents that were attributed to speed the only reason the crash numbers are climbing is because there are exponentially larger numbers of vehicles using an inadequate Highway system. Local city planners and local governing bodies have brought the interstate highway system to a stand still by insisting that their communities not be bypassed that the whole system is now so choked by local traffic that it is ineffectual.Ike would roll over in his grave if he knew what happened t his rapid response highway system. If the army had to cross the country these days to respond to an emergency on an opposite coast they would get hung up somewhere around St. Louis. Speed doesn't kill-Stupidity does!

eric

Ways to prevent accidents is to stay out of driver's blind spots, especially semi trucks. It's never a good idea to drive along the side of any car or truck for a long period of time. (And always check your blind spot if you're not sure before changing lanes.)

Another way to prevent accidents is to not follow too close or tailgate. Keep a distance from the traffic or car ahead.

Accidents are caused by driver's running red lights (if you're too far away, slow down and stop), speeding excessively (20+ over the limit), driver's making left turns in front of oncoming traffic or pulling out onto the road in front of traffic (it's important to watch the speed and distance of cars in those situations before taking a chance that could result in an accident), and driving too fast for conditions (rain, snow, heavy traffic, etc).

I agree with the first answer that speed doesn't kill, stupid driving or taking unnecessary chances does. It's important to drive defensively and watch out for what other drivers may do and be prepared for the unexpected.

You could also bring up cell phone (or text - more dangerous) use while driving as well as other distractions, such as women putting on makeup, or drivers talking to passengers in the car with them or changing the radio station. Anytime a driver takes his/her eyes off of the road for 2 seconds, an accident could happen.

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