Society’s double-standard between vehicles and firearms.

By Timothy Page

In the heated debate surrounding gun control, one cannot help but notice a striking double standard when it comes to another potentially lethal object that society has wholeheartedly embraced: the automobile. While the dangers of firearms are widely discussed and scrutinized, the risks posed by vehicles often go unmentioned, despite the staggering number of lives lost on our nation’s roads each year.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 42,514 fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes in 2023 alone. In fact, the CDC confirmed that year that crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States, both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure does not even account for the countless injuries and life-altering accidents that occur daily on our streets and highways, which in recent years have been recorded around a quarter of a million. Yet, there are no widespread calls for outright bans on automobiles, despite their proven ability to cause significant harm and loss of life.

Proponents of stricter gun control measures often argue that firearms are designed solely for the purpose of killing, while vehicles serve a practical purpose in modern society. However, this argument fails to acknowledge the reality that many vehicles on the market today are designed with performance and power in mind, far exceeding the needs of basic transportation.

Even the supposed effort to mitigate the environmental impact of automobiles are mostly smoke and mirrors to drive voter support rather than a healthy habitat. The construction of new EVs is incredibly emissions- and resource-intensive compared to the alternative, with only ideological bludgeoning supporting the method as a viable policy.

High-performance sports cars and massive SUVs that prioritize speed and size over efficiency are essentially treated as status symbols and recreational toys, much like some view firearms. Furthermore, the prevalence of reckless and irresponsible behavior behind the wheel, such as drunk driving and distracted driving, contributes significantly to the staggering number of automobile-related fatalities each year.

Interestingly, there are no widespread calls for banning alcohol or smartphones, despite their well-documented roles in enabling dangerous driving behaviors. This selective outrage towards guns while largely ignoring the risks posed by automobiles highlights a glaring double standard in our society.

It is important to note that this argument is not intended to downplay the seriousness of gun violence or to suggest that firearms should be entirely unregulated. Rather, it is a call for consistency and a more nuanced approach to addressing potential sources of harm and loss of life.

If we are to have a meaningful discussion about gun control, it is imperative that we also address the root causes of violence and reckless behavior, rather than solely demonizing inanimate objects. Practical solutions that prioritize safety, responsibility, and education should be explored, without selectively targeting certain items while ignoring others that pose similar risks.

Ultimately, the goal should be to create a society where both guns and automobiles are used responsibly and safely, without contributing to unnecessary loss of life. Especially in light, as highlighted by VTDigger last year, of recent peaking of car crash fatalities in the state, there needs to be serious discussion on the matter. By acknowledging and addressing the double standard surrounding these two potentially deadly objects, we can work towards a more consistent and effective approach to promoting public safety and well-being.