Recent studies show that distracted driving deaths in Alberta now exceed the number of deaths caused by impaired driving. In other words, people with a sound mind get behind the wheel of a motored vehicle, and then become distracted far too often. As a result, a driver’s failure to watch the road now poses as much danger to society as the individual that has chosen to drive, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Everyone seems to be in a hurry. If that fact of life could be altered, that would help. Then drivers would not feel compelled to eat and drink while driving, rather than taking the time to sit and have a quick bite to eat. Of course, that seems like a solution that could never be carried out. How could you get everyone to slow down? That question leads to mention of the next solution. The implementation of that solution consists of trying to change people’s attitude.

Possible ways to change people’s attitude

An attempt at changing the attitude taken by those that feel compelled to stay with a bad habit can prove quite challenging. Fortunately, it has been tried by other groups with some success. For example, the American Lung Association pays for placement of billboards. Those same billboards announce the number of smoking-related deaths since the start of the year.

The public can see how rapidly that number grows. Members of the public can appreciate the degree to which a bad behavior has led to the loss of many lives. Perhaps a similar trick could be tried by those groups that are willing to pay for a large-scale image of how distracted driving steals lives.

Another example comes from an effort made in public schools. Students in schools are taking driving education classes during their sophomore year in high school. During one of the first classes, the students are educated about the accidents that could take place, if someone decided to drive a car after drinking more than a sensible amount of alcohol.

It was not a fun movie to watch. That was the reason that students saw it before they were able to get behind the wheel of a car. Perhaps some company should make a similar movie, but one with a different focus. Though the police is cracking down on distracted drivers, but oftentimes it is too late and they arrive at the scene of the accident. Then the victims can only seek the assistance of the personal injury lawyer in Fort McMurray.

Final thoughts on the challenge associated with changing an attitude

Realize that the altering of attitudes cannot take place overnight. Today, despite all the efforts made, society still has to deal with the damage that has been caused by those that chose to drink and drive. Hence, no one should think that the problems created by distracted driving can be solved in a short span of time.