Safer Communities Through Safer Driving Skill Building

In a world full of distractions and short attention spans, safe driving instruction is paramount to educating emerging teen drivers. I feel that I learned so much when taking my in car lessons with a certified instructor in addition to driving with my parent. Electronic devices are constantly in our possession and we rely on them daily. These distractions certainly have shown to impact the driving habits of teens. In 2020 the CDC approximated that 3,000 teenagers will die due to distracted driving. Teendriversource.org stated that 39% of teens reported using an electronic device while driving. Bankrate.com stated that these distractions resulted in teens spending 10% of their time driving outside of their lane. Driving a vehicle is a huge responsibility not to be taken lightly. We have a problem and solutions need to be put in place to ensure the safety of not only teens but others on the road as well. I feel that through driver’s education these distractions can be reduced and the awareness of being present and focused can be reinforced. Despite technologies being integrated in cars such as lane assist, lights and sounds that alert the driver to others who may be too close, and rear cameras, knowing how to be a defensive driver is an important skill.

When I started learning to drive my mother was terribly worried. My mother’s sister was killed by a drunk driver when she was 21. Safe driving practices have always been of the utmost concern for her since she is all too aware of the consequences. When driving in the car together she would constantly point out others not paying attention or clearly on their devices. “Watch out for the other guy” was repeated more often than I can count. When I took my driving school classes everything she said was reiterated. I was impressed by the “tricks” my instructor taught me that I would not have known otherwise.

When shopping for my first car a non negotiable feature was Apple CarPlay as well as other tracking apps. While technology is a causation of distracted driving it can also be a solution. When I get into my car I always plug my phone in first. My settings are set to “Do Not Disturb” so if anyone tries to text or call me they are alerted that I am driving and cannot be reached. I also have the choice to use the Siri voice prompt option and be totally hands free if I need to use my device. Any phone calls, texts, direction needs, can all be communicated via voice alerts that are frankly much easier to use anyway. Due to having this technology option available from the start of my driving I do not miss or feel the need to use my device while driving.

In addition to education through an accredited state driving school there are various safe driving classes available through insurance companies. My insurance company gave us a GPS tracker that checks not only the number of trips and mileage but speed and other driving habits. I took a safe driving course in order to receive discounts and learn other safe driving techniques. I know that all of these classes and other measures are there only to help keep not only myself safe but others on the road as well.

I have found that my own experience with various tools and technologies to monitor my driving are not universally available. In discussing with my peers what apps I was using while driving to keep me hands free, I realized that other insurance companies do not have the same beacons, apps, and class opportunities. Newly made cars do not have Apple CarPlay or it’s Android version standard as of yet. If teenagers not only have the necessary tools available but are able have them as an integrated practice at the onset of driving it can become a habit to be hands free and focused while on the road.

Operating a vehicle that has the capability to end lives is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. It is a privilege and not a right. My own family has suffered from the negligence of a stranger and because of that I have never met my Aunt. We as a community need to have more of a “village” mentality when it comes to finding solutions to improve society and keep each other safe. Everyone needs to be mindful and responsible for their choices and how they affect others.