The Dangers of Distracted Driving: A Visual Journey
In a vivid art style characterized by thick palette painting and contrasting colors, we are taken on a journey through the eyes of Bey and her digital companion, OND, as they discuss the perils of distracted driving. This is issue #3 in the Beyond VS graphic novel series. You can read a summary below or read the full PDF here.
The Emotional Impact
Bey opens up about a recent tragedy – the death of her friend’s cousin in a car accident. The suspected cause? The other driver was texting. This revelation forces Bey to confront her own habits, admitting that she too sometimes texts while driving.
What is Distracted Driving?
OND educates Bey on the broader definition of distracted driving. It’s not just texting. Anything that diverts attention from driving – be it visual, manual, or cognitive – is a distraction. This includes activities like talking on AirPods, smoking, adjusting the radio, eating, or even talking to passengers.
The Real Danger
OND paints a stark picture: glancing at your phone for just 5 seconds while driving at 55 mph is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded. Add factors like adverse weather conditions, unfamiliar roads, or pedestrians, and the risk multiplies.
Rethinking ‘Accidents’
OND challenges the term “accidents” for these incidents. Labeling them as such implies they’re unavoidable when, in reality, many are preventable.
Efforts to Combat Distracted Driving
There’s hope, though. Engineers and advocates are working to design safer vehicles and raise public awareness. Initiatives like ‘Zero Fatalities’ use advertising, in-person meetings, and even immersive VR experiences to educate the public.
The Future of Driving
The conversation shifts to the future. Public transit, shared ride services, and the promise of autonomous vehicles could redefine our relationship with driving. In a world of self-driving cars, distractions could become irrelevant.
Legal Implications and Setting an Example
OND reminds Bey of the legal consequences of distracted driving and emphasizes the importance of setting a good example for the next generation.
A Personal Pledge
Moved by the gravity of the issue, Bey makes a personal commitment to end her distracted driving habits. She acknowledges the profound responsibility every driver has, not just to themselves, but to everyone else on the road.
This visual narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of distracted driving. Through Bey’s journey, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own habits and make safer choices on the road.