A January 12 collision between a tractor-trailer and a school bus at the intersection of Route 211 and Bull Road in the town of Wallkill highlighted the persistent issue of dangerous driving on our roads. While thankfully no children were on the bus, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgency in addressing the rampant disregard for safety behind the wheel.
The Village of Montgomery has taken steps to address the problem, implementing portable speed bumps and a flashing sign to warn motorists exceeding speed limits. However, the question arises: Is it enough? Statistics suggest otherwise.
In 2021, a staggering 42,939 Americans lost their lives in car crashes, marking the highest toll in a decade and a half. A significant portion of these fatalities involved intoxicated or unrestrained drivers and vehicles exceeding local speed limits. The toll is exacerbated by the sorry state of our roads, with 43 percent of the 4.2 million miles in poor or mediocre condition, as reported by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s data for 2020 and 2021 reveals a disturbing trend. Approximately a quarter of all fatal wrecks in the United States involved vehicles surpassing posted speed limits, with a significant number of victims failing to wear seatbelts. Furthermore, aggressive driving, characterized by tailgating, erratic lane changes, or illegal passing, contributes to a shocking 56 percent of crashes resulting in fatalities.
A myriad of problems plagues our roads, each posing a threat to the safety of every driver and passenger. Speeding remains a pervasive issue, with drivers flouting speed limits and putting lives at risk. The reckless behavior of those speeding up at yellow lights, often turning red as they barrel through, is a dangerous gamble that has dire consequences.
Tailgating, a form of aggressive driving, further compounds the problem. It not only heightens the risk of collisions but also creates an atmosphere of tension on the roads. Drivers texting or using phones behind the wheel are not only breaking the law but also endangering lives by diverting their attention from the task at hand.
Adding to the chaos are vehicles that don’t belong on the road, such as the ATV your child received as a Christmas gift. These off-road vehicles pose a danger when operated on regular streets and contribute to the overall mayhem on our roads.
The need for comprehensive solutions is evident. Law enforcement must crack down on reckless driving behaviors, imposing stricter penalties to deter potential offenders. Additionally, investments in road infrastructure are long overdue. The $786 billion construction backlog demands urgent attention to repair and upgrade our roads, creating safer conditions for all.
It’s time for a collective effort to tackle the root causes of dangerous driving. Our roads should be avenues of safety, not arenas of peril.