Recklessness on the Road

“When my brother takes me driving, he’s usually speeding” one girl in my driver’s ed class remarked, and several others nodded in agreement, sharing similar stories. Hearing this just two days into my driver’s ed class is what initially sparked my anxiety about getting behind the wheel. Growing up with five brothers, I’ve had my fair share of experiences that resonate with that story. Anyone who has spent time around young boys knows they are often nurtured into believing that speed equals excitement, often raised with the expectation to drive fast and take risks.

According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), younger males, particularly those aged 16-24, account for about 60-70% of fatal car accidents. As someone who has many close friends and family who are a part of this demographic, this reality terrifies me. Social norms and peer pressure from both community and social media frequently push young, impressionable young boys to take greater risks behind the wheel. Statistics show that one in three teenage boys fall victim to car-related injuries, and I can only hope that nobody I know becomes a part of that statistic.

Risky driving behavior is a significant factor contributing to the higher accident rates among young males, heavily influenced by cultural factors, societal norms, and the media. Looking online, it’s easy to notice the vast amount of movies, TV shows, and video games that glorify high-speed chases, risky maneuvers, and reckless behavior when driving. This portrayal can lead many young teenagers to view reckless driving as synonymous with fun and thrill-seeking behavior. For example, popular films like “Fast & Furious” romanticize illegal street racing and reckless behavior. After watching that movie with my 12-year-old brother, he fell in love with the thrill of reckless driving and spoke about how excited he was to get his own car, even trying to convince me to speed up on the car ride home. These experiences highlight how harmful media representations can encourage young kids to mimic dangerous behaviors behind the wheel.

The influence of peers and friends is particularly strong among high school and young adult circles, often leading many teens to engage in reckless driving to fit in. As a high schooler, I’ve witnessed how the desire for acceptance can push peers into dangerous situations. Some teenagers play risky car games at night to pass the time. I once saw a video from my school of students playing a game called “chicken.” In this game, two cars in an empty parking lot face each other and drive toward one another at full speed; the first to back out is deemed the “chicken” and ridiculed by the rest of the group. Most participants, pressured by their peers, don’t “chicken” out, hoping that the other person will instead, which leads to dangerous outcomes.

Even among drivers who hold driver’s licenses and have completed driver’s education courses, reckless driving remains a significant issue. This suggests that current training methods, although effective in teaching and reducing the number of car-related fatalities, can still be improved. To promote safety, and potentially reduce the number of car-related deaths, driving courses should include segments showcasing real-life situations where driving goes wrong when not practiced safely, revealing the serious consequences of reckless behavior. Although it can be a tough topic to speak on, it’s important to confront the reality of such incidents. Without instilling safety precautions, young adults and teens risk becoming victims of similar outcomes. Also, stricter criteria for passing driver’s ed could allow for teens to have more time to work on their new sense of responsibility and awareness before getting on the road. By incorporating these elements into driver education, We can decrease the number of fatalities and injuries on our roads.

Additionally, it’s important to teach young people that the portrayals they see online can often be exaggerated or dramatized. In my opinion, this is an important step that many parents need to take with their kids, as when they see videos of drifting or high-speed driving presented as thrilling fun, they need to understand that these depictions don’t reflect reality. Recognizing that social media often highlights exciting moments while downplaying serious accidents can help them make safer choices on the road.

Personally, I’ve seen many instances of reckless driving among friends, which reinforces the importance of educating ourselves and others. I personally commit to being a safe driver by adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions while driving, and encouraging others to do the same. By creating a culture of safety that values life, we can help reduce the risks associated with driving.