Every day, approximately 100 people die in traffic fatalities in America, according to data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). While these numbers are staggering, they rarely spark the same level of outrage and calls for reform as other tragedies. Why is that?
The following data from NHTSA represents the number of lives lost due to traffic fatalities over the past three years:
When considering these statistics, it’s important to ask: what is the primary cause? Is it the vehicles themselves, or the drivers? Our legal system rightly places the responsibility on the driver, except in cases of mechanical failure.
Consider the tragic incident in Maine a few months ago, where a man driving a Dodge pickup truck killed seven motorcyclists. There were no widespread calls for “pickup control” or restrictions on purchasing Dodge 2500s. The focus remained on the negligent driver. Similarly, when a charter bus carrying a church youth group crashed, resulting in two fatalities and numerous injuries, there was no immediate demand for stringent “charter bus legislation,” but rather on the actions of the driver.
Seven motorcyclists were killed by a man driving a Dodge 2500 pickup truck. The driver was to blame, not the truck. (WMUR Twitter)
At this time we have confirmed two fatalities related to this charter bus crash. Our condolences go out to the families of those involved in this crash. We will provide further information as we are able. pic.twitter.com/sijgTQyRON — CSP Public Affairs (@CSP_News) June 24, 2019
An automobile, in the hands of a negligent operator, becomes a deadly weapon. Furthermore, vehicles are frequently used in felony assaults. Yet, “automobile reform” remains largely absent from public discourse. Metro Police Officer John Anderson was killed July 4, 2019 in a crash when a 17-year-old drove into his police car.
In contrast, mass shootings invariably trigger immediate demands for reform from political activists and politicians. These individuals often focus on the “thing” (firearm) rather than addressing the underlying issues of individual responsibility and mental health. The real question is: what factors contribute to the rise of mass murderers? This is a complex issue with many contributing factors. As explored in the book, Jurisdiction: A Cop and a Pastor Talk About Life, a deeper analysis is required.
The arguments of the anti-gun lobby exploit the emotional distress caused by mass murders, but further gun control measures are not the solution. They never are!
It’s a harsh reality that in the time it takes to read this article, more people will die in traffic fatalities than in the recent mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton combined. While the grief for victims of mass shootings is profound, it’s important to remember the lives lost in traffic accidents that often go unnoticed in the headlines.
Even a complete halt to gun sales would not solve the problem. There are currently more firearms in circulation than people. Moreover, the anti-gun lobby often ignores the significant number of people who are defended by gun ownership each year. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study confirms Florida State University criminologist Gary Kleck’s findings of more than two million defensive handgun uses (DGUs) per year. Breitbart reported that Kleck and research partner Marc Gertz have contended the actual number is closer to 2.5 million. Kleck reaffirmed his numbers on February 17, 2015, explaining that while plenty of naysayers have criticized his findings, none have been able to offer empirical evidence to counter them.
Driving is a “privilege”, not a right, whereas owning a firearm is a constitutional “right” under the Second Amendment. A constitutional right carries far greater weight than a privilege. Yet, some political leaders seek to erode constitutional rights that conflict with their ideology, including the First Amendment.
Background checks for prospective gun owners are essential to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of violent criminals and the mentally unstable. However, believing that stricter gun laws alone will solve the problem of mass murder demonstrates a lack of understanding of the depths of human depravity. It is precisely because of the evil that exists in people that many choose to keep a firearm for self-defense. More “good people” with guns are preferable to disarming law-abiding citizens through misguided laws. These symbolic actions do not deter evil any more than signs stating, “Drug Free Zone” inhibit drug use.
As a former undercover cop, I’ve had to use a firearm to defend myself in high-crime areas on three separate occasions, unrelated to my ongoing investigations. I was simply a target. As a private citizen, I do not want to lose that right!
If our country wants to put Glock, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, etc. out of business, perhaps we should do the same with Ford, Chevy, and Dodge, because far more people die due to automobiles than firearms.
– Jim McNeff