Teenage Driver Technology Hazard

As an eighteen-year-old girl, I find it hard to imagine talking on a phone connected to the wall. I love that I can have my phone everywhere I go, listen to music, or take photos without needing cassette tapes, a Walkman, or a bulky camera. The phone being created was an amazing advancement that made life easier for many people. Today, technology has enhanced our daily lives to the point where we cannot imagine living without it. At the same time, it has also become a major cause of car accidents for people of all ages. Many individuals have become extremely addicted to their devices and the benefits and enjoyment they offer.

While driving down the street, I could probably count at least ten people on their phones or glancing at their phones while driving. I have been driving my convertible Volkswagen Beetle for the past three years. This car is my prized possession, and I try my best to stay focused on the road at all times. I have a habit of wanting to be on a phone call while I drive because it makes me feel less lonely. I usually call my mom, my grandparents, or my best friend Lexi before I even pull out of the parking spot, so I won’t be looking at my phone while driving. Some may think this is distracting, but I feel it helps me because I won’t check my phone at a red light or when I get notifications while driving, since the only people I should be checking messages from are usually those I’m already talking to. I’ve recently started turning on ‘Do Not Disturb’ while driving, which has reduced distractions, and I have a playlist ready to go, so I don’t have to fumble with changing songs while behind the wheel.

I’ve noticed many of my friends get distracted while behind the wheel, either from texting, music, or notifications. I say “behind the wheel” because they do this at stop signs, red lights, or while driving. I’ve had to ask them multiple times to pay attention to driving or to let me check a message on their phones. But it’s a bigger problem when they’re alone, as they might try to change the song, mess with the radio station, or turn up the volume. These are all distractions that can cause accidents. I believe creating a custom focus mode on phones that activates automatically when someone is driving could help. This driver’s mode would mute notifications, auto-reply to texts, and only allow emergency contacts to get through. The autoreply would send a message saying, “I am driving and will respond shortly,” which would let a person not be left hanging and would lessen the feeling of urgency that the driver has to respond immediately. A helpful way to build accountability could be keeping a journal each time they resist the urge to check their phone. These methods could help drivers stay more engaged and focused during their commute, making communities safer and changing how many people drive.

Teen driver safety is an important public issue because car accidents remain one of the leading causes of death for young people. Many teens are still learning how to handle real-world responsibilities, and driving requires split-second decision-making and focus. This is where driver’s education becomes so important. It helps teens understand both the rules of the road and the real-life consequences of poor decisions behind the wheel. Beyond teaching how to parallel park or read traffic signs, a good driver’s education program should talk openly about distractions, peer pressure, and emotional awareness. It should also include hands-on simulations and real stories from people who have experienced accidents due to distracted driving. I think when young drivers hear real voices and scenarios they can relate to, the message hits harder than just reading a textbook.

Some of the biggest challenges teen drivers face today include phone distractions, peer pressure, and lack of experience. It is not easy to ignore notifications or stay focused when there is music playing, a group chat blowing up, or a car full of friends. I remember being in the car with a friend who was trying to show us a funny TikTok while driving. We all laughed, but looking back, it was incredibly unsafe. I have since learned to speak up and even offer to be the designated DJ or navigator so the driver can stay focused. Schools can help by offering workshops or student-led campaigns that promote safe driving. Communities can organize events like mock crash demonstrations, host guest speakers, or reward safe teen drivers with incentives. Teens themselves can take responsibility by using apps that lock their phones while driving, setting boundaries with friends, and modeling good habits. Change does not come all at once, but every small action helps build a culture where safety is seen as smart and responsible.