Distracted Driving: A Big Sister’s Perspective

Learning to drive is a big deal. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and honestly, a little terrifying—especially when it’s your younger sibling behind the wheel. As a 19-year-old college student, I’ve had my license for a few years now, and watching my 15-year-old sister learn to drive has been eye-opening. It’s made me realize just how important it is to teach new drivers about staying focused on the road. Distracted driving is one of the biggest dangers out there, and if I can help my sister (and others) understand that I’ll feel like I’ve done my part in making the roads safer.

Driver education is key when it comes to preventing accidents. When I was learning to drive, I didn’t fully grasp how dangerous something as simple as changing a song could be. But once I started my driver’s ed course, I learned about the different types of distractions: visual (looking away from the road), manual (taking hands off the wheel), and cognitive (not focusing on driving). These things may seem minor in the moment, but they can quickly turn into life-threatening mistakes.

The younger drivers are educated on these risks, the more likely they are to take driving seriously. Schools, parents, and even social media campaigns play a role in spreading awareness. But beyond that, I’ve realized how important it is for experienced drivers—like me now—to reinforce those lessons. My sister doesn’t just listen to what I say, she watches what I do. If I set a bad example by checking my phone at a stoplight, she might think it’s okay for her to do the same. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

So how do we reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted driving? For starters, we need better enforcement of laws that prohibit texting and other distractions behind the wheel. It’s not enough to just have these rules in place—drivers need to know there are real consequences for breaking them.

Technology can also help. Many phones now have “Do Not Disturb While Driving” modes, which automatically silence notifications. Parents can take it a step further by installing apps that block texting or social media use when the car is moving. These tools can be lifesavers, but they only work if people use them.

Another big factor is public awareness. Campaigns like “It Can Wait” from AT&T show the real, heartbreaking consequences of distracted driving. Schools and communities should incorporate these stories into driver education programs. When new drivers see the impact careless decisions can have, they’re more likely to think twice before glancing at their phones.

And of course, peer influence is huge. If we make distracted driving socially unacceptable—like drinking and driving—people will be less likely to do it. I always call out my friends if they’re using their phones while driving, and I encourage my sister to do the same. A little accountability can go a long way.

I’ve seen plenty of reckless driving in my time, and honestly, it’s scary how common it is. Whether it’s someone recording a Snapchat video while driving or messing with their GPS while going 60 mph, distractions are everywhere. Even adults who have been driving for decades aren’t immune—my own parents sometimes check their phones at stoplights. These little habits might seem harmless, but they set a bad precedent for younger drivers like my sister.

I remember one time when I was in the car with a friend, and she kept looking at her phone while driving. It wasn’t even for anything urgent—just scrolling through a playlist. I told her to put it down, and while she laughed it off, she did listen. That moment stuck with me because it made me realize how easy it is to speak up and possibly prevent an accident. Now, whenever I’m in the car with someone who’s being careless, I don’t hesitate to say something.

Since watching my sister learn to drive, I’ve made it a personal goal to be the safest driver I can be. One thing I always do is set up my music and GPS before I start driving so I don’t have to mess with my phone. I also keep my phone out of reach—usually in my bag or glove compartment—so I’m not even tempted to check notifications.

I’ve also been working on being more of a defensive driver. I try to stay aware of what’s always happening around me, anticipating possible hazards before they occur. And, of course, I always encourage my sister to follow these same habits. Whenever she’s behind the wheel, I remind her to keep both hands on the wheel and stay fully focused on driving. As much as she sees it as nagging, I’d rather be safe than backing into a mailbox.

Leading by example is one of the most important things I can do. Younger siblings naturally look up to their older siblings, and I know my sister is paying attention to how I drive. If she sees me being responsible, she’s more likely to develop safe habits herself.

Distracted driving is a major issue, but it’s one we can tackle with the right combination of education, enforcement, technology, and personal responsibility. Watching my sister learn to drive has made me more aware of my own habits and the example I set. By making safety a priority and holding ourselves and others accountable, we can create a culture where distractions behind the wheel are simply not an option. The decisions we make while driving don’t just affect us—they can mean the difference between life and death for everyone on the road. And that’s a responsibility none of us should take lightly.