More Than Just Driving

Every time we get into a car, we take on a responsibility bigger than ourselves. How many people, especially teenagers, don’t realize is just how dangerous driving can be. In the U.S., around 34,000 lives are lost every year due to car crashes. That’s more than the number of Americans killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. The truth is that driving is one of the most dangerous things we do on a daily basis. And yet, for many teens, it is just something exciting, freeing, and maybe even fun. But the freedom of driving must come with awareness, caution, and education. Teen driver safety isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a public one that affects entire communities. It’s time we take the driver’s seat seriously.

Driver’s education plays a huge role in addressing this issue. It’s more than just memorizing road signs or learning to parallel park; it’s about building a mindset of responsibility. A well-structured driver’s ed course doesn’t just teach technical skills; it prepares teens to make good decisions under pressure, recognize hazards, and understand the real consequences of distracted or impaired driving. Many young people don’t yet understand how fragile life is until it’s too late. Education is how we bridge that gap between immaturity and responsibility, before tragedy forces them to learn the hard way.

The challenges facing teen drivers today are very real and very modern. Distractions are everywhere. Phones are one of the biggest threats, not just texting, but music, GPS, social media notifications, or even trying to record a video. I’ve seen it happen. Friends of mine casually use social media or answer texts behind the wheel like it’s nothing. It scares me every time. On top of that, there’s peer pressure, the pressure to speed, blast music, or drive people around before you’re ready. Some teens feel like they have something to prove, or they don’t want to be “uncool” by calling out unsafe behavior. And then there’s a simple lack of experience. It’s easy to panic in unfamiliar situations: a sudden lane change, heavy rain, or a fast car tailgating you. All of these can become life-threatening without the right preparation.

Overcoming these challenges starts with awareness. Teens need to understand that no text, song, or joke is worth someone’s life, including their own. Education campaigns in schools and online should speak in a voice that teens actually listen to, not lectures, but real stories and peer-led conversations. Practice also matters. New drivers should be gradually exposed to more complex situations, and parents should stay involved longer than just the bare minimum. Most importantly, teens need to know it’s okay to say “no.” No to unsafe rides, no to speeding, no to distractions. Empowering them to set boundaries is just as important as teaching them to steer.

I will never forget when a security guard from my community was tragically killed while riding his motorcycle during the holiday season. It was supposed to be a joyful time; families getting ready to celebrate, but everything changed in an instant. A group of teenagers, who were driving in a reckless manner, struck him. And that was it. He was gone. The news hit our neighborhood hard. But mainly his family, since just a few months later his baby son was born. Many of us had encountered him every day, always courteous and watching out for all of us. The fact that it happened with a group of young people made it even more difficult to accept. It was not just an accident; it was a sign that rash moves behind the wheel can snatch someone’s whole future away. That experience made me reconsider driving in an entirely different sense, not as a liberty, but as a great burden with real repercussions. There are a lot of things we can do to promote safer driving.

Youth can assist youth by speaking up when someone’s being irresponsible, not getting into a car with someone who’s distracted, and assisting in setting the tone for their peer group. Schools can have crash-traumatized speakers, show powerful PSAs, or even employ driving simulators to teach realistic reactions. Towns can create less expensive driver’s ed classes, especially for poor teens, and join forces with local police departments to educate rather than arrest. Parents also have a role to play by setting examples and not rushing teenagers onto the road before they’re ready. Ultimately, we are all in this together and share the same risks. Teen drivers are not superheroes. But they can improve and make smart choices if given the right tools and guidance. Driver’s education, community involvement, and personal responsibility must come together if we want to save lives and build safer roads.

Being “in the driver’s seat” isn’t just about turning a wheel; it’s about choosing who you want to be when it really matters. I hope to be the kind of person who drives with purpose, speaks up when something feels off, and helps others see that safety is a strength, not a limitation. With better education and real conversations, we can put teen drivers in control, not just of a car, but of their own and others’ futures.