Name: Rylee Paige O'Rourke
From: Tempe, AZ
Votes: 0
Teenage Drivers – Precautions Save Lives
Teen Drivers – Precautions Save Lives
Did you know that distracted drivers kill approximately 10 people a day while injuring over 1000 people per day? Among these distracted drivers are a the sub-group of teenage drivers. This statistic and other alarming facts are among many different articles about teenagers and automobile accidents. According to EndDD.org, over 50% of teen crashes involve a teenager that has been distracted. There are many reasons why teenagers are distracted while driving. First of all, teenagers are among the newest drivers. They are learning all the facets of driving. While driving may be second nature to an adult, teenagers are still in the stage where each day on the road may bring a new experience. Navigating this journey takes attention and focus while on the road. Distractions like music, cell-phones, and friends contribute to a teenager being distracted while behind the wheel. Driver education courses are imperative when preparing a teenage driver. Along with these courses, It is important that ground rules are put into place with teenagers to support focus and ensure that driving be the number one priority.
Completing driver’s education courses and implementing a driving contract before a teenager is allowed to get behind the wheel of a vehicle can potentially reduce the number of distractions that occur. The contract will list the driving rules that are set in place for the safety of the driver. First and foremost, teenage drivers need to commit that when behind the wheel, driving is their number one priority.
Some items that should be included in the contract is the level at which music is played while the teenage driver is in the vehicle. Setting the volume level in a parked car before driving should be an agreement that is implemented according to the contract. A second agreement is the number of friends a teenager is allowed to have in the car while driving. Allowing a teenager to have only one friend in the vehicle can decrease the opportunity to be distracted while driving. Cell-phone use has become one of the most distracting disturbances in teenage drivers. Setting agreements for cell phone use in the car should include that the cell phone is put on silent while driving. Putting the phone in the glove compartment or backseat can support this safety precaution. This agreement should be an expectation of the contract. Including these safety items in the contract, reducing distractions can be accomplished.
Fortunately, I have not experienced being in a car accident. However, I have witnessed my loved ones engage in unsafe driving practices. Until recently, checking a cell phone while driving was ‘important’. My response has been, ‘Would you want me to do that while I am driving?’ Just like that, she understood my message. We have since implemented an agreement and contract to keep all of us safe while driving.
https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/auto-insurance/articles/teen-distracted-driving
