Thought The Eyes of a Passenger

I don’t have a driver’s license yet. In fact, I haven’t even started driving lessons. Some people might think that means teen driver safety doesn’t concern me—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I may not sit behind the wheel, but I ride in cars with friends and family. I walk along roads. I cross intersections on my way to school. I live in the same world as every other driver. And I’ve seen how quickly things can go wrong fast. That’s why I believe teen driver safety is not just a personal responsibility, it’s a public issue that affects everyone, drivers and non-drivers alike.

Teen drivers face a perfect storm of challenges: limited experience, overwhelming distractions, and intense social pressure. I’ve seen friends scroll through Tik Tok while driving, joke about speeding, or text at red lights as if nothing could go wrong. But things do go wrong—often, and fast. Teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than adults, and it’s not because they’re bad people. It’s because they’re still learning, and sometimes the lessons come too late. Not to mention our brains aren’t fully developed yet which has been proven to affect our driving.

One moment that changed how I view driving happened in my sophomore year. A senior named Briana , who I didn’t know well but was a friend of my friend, was in a serious crash one night. No alcohol, no drugs—just a group of friends, loud music, and one glance at a phone. She survived, but with some concerning injuries. One of her passengers had to get 5 stitches across her forehead.

It was the first time I truly understood the impact of unsafe driving habits. And even though I wasn’t behind the wheel, I felt how deeply it affected all of us. It changed the energy of how Briana treated her friends, and even how some of us got to and from events. I started turning down rides from friends who drove recklessly, even if it meant being late or walking home. I learned that saying “no” to unsafe behavior isn’t weakness—it’s courage.

Driver’s education plays a vital role in addressing these issues, but only if it’s done right. It shouldn’t be something teens just “get through” to earn their license. It should be engaging, real, and honest about the emotional and physical consequences of risky behavior. More importantly, it should be inclusive of all kinds of students—those who are eager to drive and those who are still watching from the passenger seat. We all have a part to play.

I believe schools and communities need to rethink how they approach driver safety. It should start earlier—before teens are even old enough to get a permit. That way, by the time they do start driving, safe habits are already second nature. We can also create peer-led programs that allow teens to talk openly about their fears, mistakes, and questions without judgment. I’d love to see schools organize simulation experiences or panels with people affected by car crashes—not to scare students, but to ground the issue in real-life experiences.

As a non-driver, one of the biggest things I can do is speak up. I’ve learned how to be a responsible passenger—staying alert, offering directions, and telling friends to put their phones away. It can be uncomfortable to correct someone your age, but if it means saving a life, it’s worth it. I also encourage open conversations about driving with my peers. Sometimes, it just takes one voice to shift the mood and remind everyone that safety comes first.

Communities can also get involved by creating safe spaces for teens to practice driving, especially in areas where driver’s ed isn’t easily accessible. Parents and guardians need to be part of the conversation too—not just by enforcing rules, but by modeling the behavior they expect. Teens notice when adults text while driving, or speed, or lose their tempers in traffic. The lessons we learn about driving often come from the people we ride with every day.

At the end of the day, safe driving isn’t just about rules—it’s about respect. Respect for your own life, and for the lives of others. Even though I don’t drive yet, I know that when I eventually do, I want to be prepared—not just with knowledge, but with the mindset that every decision I make behind the wheel matters. Until then, I’ll keep learning, speaking up, and encouraging others to take safety seriously.

Because whether we’re holding the keys or just holding each other accountable, we all have the power to make our roads safer—for ourselves, our friends, and our future.