The Perils of Irresponsible Driving and How to Rectify Them

As a teen driver, I had the misguided perception that obtaining my driver’s license was simply just that- being able to say that I have a driver’s license and the ensuing relative freedom that came with obtaining a driver’s license. I failed to consider all the responsibilities and possible negative consequences that came hand in hand with obtaining my driver’s license, that is until I had to sign up for driver’s education. As part of the course, there was a requirement to watch videos so that I could apply for my learner’s permit. Many teenagers view the mandated requirement to watch these videos are tedious but as they continue to watch these videos, an obvious change in mindset becomes apparent. Part of these videos were made to show the terrible realities of driving recklessly or not paying attention to the roads when driving as some teenagers have the tendency to do and as cliche as it may be, using ‘scare tactics’ seems to be an effective way to catch their attention. In addition to the videos, driver’s education is also important because it is during this process that teenagers learn the rules of the road and their importance in keeping all drivers safe. These, after all, are the most basic yet important information to keep a new driver safe.

There are a number of reasons why accidents happen on the road, amongst which are distractions from technology, distractions from passengers in the car, drunk driving, etc. Firstly, with the development of technology, an opinion that is widely shared amongst the general population is that mobile phones create a huge distraction for drivers of all ages. Though some mobile phone manufacturers have taken steps to attempt to curtail device use while driving, unfortunately, this step can still be overridden by the user. For example; on an Apple iPhone, even with the driving setting on, one is able to tap on ‘I am not driving’ and use the phone even if he/she is driving. In the end, this defeats the whole purpose of trying to stop one from using a device while driving. In my opinion, mobile phone manufacturers or service providers need to figure out how to prevent someone who is driving from overriding the feature and only allowing voice calls that are synced to the vehicle to work. Texting or internet use should be completely disabled when driving. I feel very strongly about stopping people from texting and driving and it irks me greatly whenever I see drivers using their phones and texting while driving. Unfortunately, something tragic happened a few years ago on the main road leading to our street due to a driver texting and driving, according to the news, the driver was texting while driving down the road that has a posted speed limit of 55mph. Due to his inattention at a curve, he veered into the opposite lane and hit an elderly lady’s car coming in the opposite direction. Both drivers lost their lives instantaneously on that fatal day. It is devastating that an innocent life was lost because of someone’s need to use a device while driving at high speeds. I personally have not experienced my family driving irresponsibly. My parents have always emphasized the importance of not using my phone or any device while driving. I put my phone out of sight every time I get in my car. There is nothing that is so urgent and important that I need to deal with while driving thus risking my life and the lives of others while I am on the phone. Another major cause of death due to accidents is distractions from passengers in the car. Whether it’s loud music playing or raucous interactions between passengers, anything that draws attention away from the task of driving may result in fatal consequences. Where I am from, upon being handed a driver’s license at the DMV, we are sternly warned that until the age of 18, we are only allowed one non-family member passenger in the car. This age limit should be raised to 21 in my opinion. Though difficult to enforce, there are still those who will follow that law. Parents should also enforce this law as it could be a life-saving move.

As a teen driver going only into my second year of driving, there are a number of things I do to make sure that I am safe while on the road. I minimize distractions by putting away my mobile phone as soon as I get in my car, not listening to music while driving, and not having passengers who are friends in my car. I also make sure to pay attention to road signs, adhere to the posted speed limits, and keep my eyes focused on the road ahead of me so that I can anticipate what the drivers in front of me are doing. Even though I have spoken to friends about distractions while they are driving and have said no to being a passenger in friends’ cars my actions are my own, what others choose to do beyond what I advise them is not within my control. We can all hope that being safe and responsible drivers is of the utmost importance to all drivers out there and attending driver’s education classes is an important first step to making sure everyone is safe on the road.