The Dangers of Distracted Driving

The
Dangers of Distracted Driving

Turning
16 is one of the most exciting times in a teenager’s life. Being
able to drive is a huge milestone, but with new drivers comes
distractions. These distractions in new and inexperienced drivers
cause accidents. If teens were more aware of what harm these
distractions can do to themselves and others, plus what it has done
to kids like them, it could be effective in reducing the number of
deaths.

In
the time of iPhones and Snapchat, kids often become so wrapped up in
their phones that it transfers over to when they are driving. We have
phone laws when driving, but they have not been very effective, as
many drivers still use their devices when driving. Creating stricter
laws that would actually be enforced could be effective in reducing
the number of driving deaths. But to be even more effective, the
steps need to be taken on the phones and apps that distract the
drivers behind the wheel. Apps that could track your driving and
disable themselves when they sense that you are driving could
dramatically change the use of phones and social media behind the
wheel.

I
am lucky enough to have never been in a car accident, but all around
me I see my peers drive irresponsibly. My friends are so wrapped up
in sending a Snapchat or responding to a text that it causes them to
lose track of their speed and their placement on the road. I have
seen how my classmates have ended up after a car crash due to
irresponsible driving and I do not wish that upon anyone. The results
of a car crash can dramatically change ones life.

I
can do many things to become a safer driver and make others safer
drivers as well. I can put down the phone, put it on Do Not Disturb,
and be cautious when driving so that I am aware of my surroundings.
For others, I can spread the dangers of distracted driving, because
we have lost too many people to car crashes. Passing on this
knowledge and my experiences can create safer roads for everyone and
saving many lives in the future.