Distracted Driving: A Silent Killer?

One of the first things a person looks forward to when they become a teenager is being able to drive. In their minds, driving is equated to a sense of freedom that they never had. This excitement can cloud their judgement and cause them to develop dangerous driving habits. Driving, without the use of social media and texting, is dangerous in itself. However when all factors are taken into account, driving while using technology exponentially increases the risk of an accident happening, not only for teenagers but for the entire population. Distracted driving is a silent killer that takes away the lives of many.

Many students have to take a Drivers Ed course before they are even eligible to take their road test and written exam. The information that they learn in this class can provide them with useful insight to prevent harmful behaviors when driving. Instilling knowledge while young will ensure that there will be less reckless behaviors on the road, therefore reducing the number of driving related deaths. Taking refresher courses is also a great way to stay up-to-date with new road laws and regulations.

Many technologies have been developed to help reduce those dangerous driving habits. However, oftentimes, the barriers set in place to protect drivers can be avoided and phones can still be used. An example of this is the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature on most phones. Though this feature is appealing, simply sliding up on a phone screen and clicking “I’m Not Driving” will allow motorists to use their phones. One way to avoid this problem is simply and quite literally, putting the phone in the backseat while driving. Because they are out of sight, the phones will no longer be on drivers’ minds. This will minimize distractions and will allow them to focus on driving rather than scrolling through social media and responding to text messages.

An opposer of the idea mentioned above might say that phones are sometimes necessary for driving, for example, while using a GPS app. There are two simple ways to avoid this problem. The first solution would be to purchase a cheap GPS device that can only be used for that one purpose. This way, phones can be placed out of sight and people can still get to their destinations. Purchasing this device may not be easy for some families. This is where the second solution comes in: a GPS app that can not be minimized until the destination is reached. This app would ask users to input their desired location into the search bar and would allow them to navigate. The app would not allow the user to switch screens until their destination is reached. This app would also allow connected devices, such as parents’ phones, to know where the user is in case of an emergency.

The best way to reduce dangerous driving habits would be to create an app called “Backseat Driver” that gifts rewards based on screen time. A basic synopsis of this app is that it would work in conjunction with the GPS app, mentioned above, as well as other apps to reward the drivers for time off of his or her phone while driving. Some of the rewards offered would be free books, keychains, and movies when the user accumulates enough points. Providing incentives for safe driving via this app would be the best way to reduce these dangerous habits that are becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s society.

Another amazing way to ensure road safety is to spread the word! People are less likely to drive while distracted if their friends and family encourages them not to. So tell everyone you know so you can help keep our roads safe!

Though it was a minor accident, my dad was rear ended a few years ago. Even though it was not his fault, my whole family learned from that day the importance of safe driving. We all shut off our phones when driving and engage in the safe behaviors taught when we took our Drivers Ed classes. For example, we don’t eat, change the radio station, change the settings in the car, or move the seat while driving. We also make sure to stop if we feel tired to avoid highway hypnosis. A couple weeks ago, my grandpa and grandma were in a motorcycle accident because of slick roads. Even though the accident was not caused by technology, we still understood the importance of safety precautions such as wearing a helmet when driving, making sure there is traction, and always being aware of the road.

Though it is unknown whether we will be able to entirely prevent dangerous driving habits, there are many steps that we can take to help ensure the safety of our growing teenage driver population and everyone else on the roads.