Every Ride Home Should Be a Safe One

Teen driver safety is more than a personal responsibility, it is a critical public issue that affects everyone on the road. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and every time a young, inexperienced driver gets behind the wheel, their choices can have life-altering consequences not only for themselves but for others as well. The importance of driver’s education and strong safety habits cannot be overstated. Educating teen drivers early and often can help build a culture of responsibility, caution, and awareness that saves lives.

Driver’s education is one of the first formal opportunities teens have to understand the immense responsibility that comes with driving. It teaches the rules of the road, of course, but more importantly, it lays the groundwork for good decision-making. Programs that combine classroom learning with practical experience give students a much clearer sense of the risks and responsibilities involved. Without education, teens may rely on misinformation, peer behavior, or even pop culture as their guide, and that can lead to dangerous situations.

From what I’ve personally seen, one of the biggest challenges teen drivers face today is distraction, especially from passengers and phones. Peer pressure is another major issue. I’ve been in cars where the driver, usually a teenage boy, would start swerving on purpose just to make the girl in the passenger seat laugh or be impressed. It felt more like a performance than responsible driving, and it was terrifying. I’ve been in situations where the driver will let go of the wheel to participate in a TikTok or to pose for a selfie. I’ve also been in a car where two girls were literally hanging out of the backseat windows because they wanted to “sing in the rain” like in the movies. I was in the front passenger seat, trying to get them to stop, but they didn’t listen, until we were pulled over by the police. The driver got a ticket, and it was a wake-up call for all of us. We were lucky it didn’t end worse, but not everyone is that lucky.

In fact, I’ll never forget the loss of Diego, a close family friend of mine. He was a young father to two childhood friends of mine. He was killed when a drunk driver went the wrong way on the highway and hit his car head-on. He didn’t make it. The driver survived. It’s one of the most painful reminders I have of how reckless driving choices, whether due to alcohol, distraction, or overconfidence, can take innocent lives. Diego’s death shook our entire community and changed how I view driving forever. I think of him every time I see someone texting while driving or speeding to show off.

So, how do we prevent more stories like Diego’s? How can we stop teens from thinking they’re invincible behind the wheel?

First, education needs to go beyond the DMV handbook. Schools should offer more engaging, real-world driver’s ed programs that include guest speakers, like crash survivors or emergency responders, and simulations that show the impact of distracted or impaired driving. Seeing the consequences firsthand, even in a controlled environment, makes a stronger impression than just reading about them. In fact, my high school had two guest speakers this past year who spoke on teen driver safety, including simulations, which were truly eye-opening for some students.

Second, parents and communities should take an active role. Teens need positive role models who practice what they preach. Adults who don’t text while driving, who buckle up, and who speak out when others drive recklessly. Peer-to-peer campaigns can also make a big difference. Teens are more likely to listen to each other than to authority figures sometimes, so programs where students lead the conversation on safe driving can be really effective.

Finally, teens themselves have to take ownership. That means speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable. I still think about how I tried to get those girls to stop leaning out of the car. I wish I had done more, but I also know now that my voice matters. Teens need to feel empowered to say, “This isn’t safe,” even if it makes them unpopular in the moment. It’s better to lose a friend than to lose a life.

Driving is a privilege, not a right, and with that privilege comes responsibility. Teen drivers face a lot of pressure, distractions, and challenges, but they also have the power to be part of the solution. Through better education, stronger support from adults, and the courage to make smart choices, we can create a future where safe driving is the norm, not the exception.

Because in the end, getting behind the wheel shouldn’t be about looking cool, impressing friends, or having a good time. It should be about getting home, safely, every time.