The Dangers Of Teen Driving

Elizabeth
Schisler

Driver
Education Initiative

1
August 2019

The
Dangers of Teen Driving

Being
a teen, I understand the many temptations one might partake in while
driving. A common scenario a teen might find himself in is driving
with friends. Perhaps one friend does not want to buckle his
seatbelt; therefore, the others in the vehicle feel inclined to do
the same. Being with friends, the driver must play the perfect song
to ensure the satisfaction of the passengers. Perhaps, while driving,
a friend spots the car of someone they know; the driver must speed up
to race them! Lastly, all the requested songs have been played, and
the passengers get on their phones. The driver does not want to be
any more bored than his friends, so he does the same. Being a teen, I
know the dangers of teen driving, and I am also aware of the
consequences firsthand.

It
was a hot, humid Alabama day during the spring break of 2017 when my
friends and I had decided to drive to the beach. Two of my friends
had just gotten their licenses and volunteered to drive two cars down
to Panama City, Florida. The trip down went well as was the time we
spent at the beach; however, the drive back was a different matter.
Everyone was tired from the long day, and the people in both cars
were either throwing food around or asleep. I remember my friend who
was driving had just picked out a song on her phone when we heard an
ambulance driving by. Both cars immediately pulled over so it could
pass, but what happened next none of us were prepared for. While
remounting the road, the second driver was on her phone and the car I
was in slammed into the back of hers. Everyone was alright, but the
cars were not so fortunate. I was so lucky to have my seatbelt on; I
was sitting in the middle seat and could have died because my friends
were on Snapchat.

Since
then, my friends know I am a stickler for proper driving, but many
teens have not had the experience we have. The main causes of the
elevated threat in teen driving are inexperience and immaturity. Like
many skills teens are taught, the teachings of Drivers ed tend
to go through one ear and out the other. Drivers ed aims to
provide an individual both as a driver and as a passenger with the
understanding, abilities, and conduct necessary for vehicle safety.
Despite the countless warnings, many adolescent drivers fail to
understand the importance of proper driving technique until it is too
late.

Sending
a message may seem like a no brainer, but it causes you to lose your
focus on the road, on average, for 4.6 seconds. Texting is not the
only teen temptation. Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Netflix are
all common apps used by teen drivers. To ensure safer drives, it is
imperative teens keep their phones out of sight and on silent.
Seatbelts are also a must on every trip, no matter how short. Never
drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, and
encourage others to do the same. Also, be sure to follow the
designated speed limits; it may seem tedious, but they are set for a
reason. These steps may be trivial but are necessary to become a
safer driver and reduce the number of driving-related deaths.

Teenagers
tend to be more dangerous drivers due to lack of experience and bad
examples set by parents. I still struggle with wanting to check
messages while driving, but I always remind myself I am better
waiting till I arrive at my destination. No text, tv show, photo, DM,
video, or meme is worth one’s life. I have experienced the dangers
of teen driving and am intimate with the consequences. These
threatening habits must be stopped if future teen drivers are to
drive safely.