It Can Wait

It Can Wait

Like. Tweet. Send. 2 seconds. 2 seconds is all it takes. Replying to a simple comment or turning your head around to laugh at a joke from the passenger seat and all in an instant you have just ran someone over or your life has just ended. Imagine carrying the weight of someone’s family member at risk after you just murdered their own relative because of your own selfish acts. Or even bearing the thought of your family’s feelings to your death of an unexpected car accident because Snapchatting your friends is more important. One last text and it all can just end.

Throughout your life experience, getting your first license and going through the process of driving a car is a special milestone that you will never forget. At the age of 15, everyone is thinking about their independence of going their own ways, but being in the driver’s seat could be very life threatening.

1.6 million crashes happen every year because of inconsiderate individuals using a phone while driving and 15.6% of young drivers have admitted to texting while in the driver’s seat. However; texting and driving is a very dangerous distraction, but it is not the only one. Having friends in the car is alarming, as is eating food, and even fiddling with the navigation system. Remember that your only job when you are behind the wheel is to get where you are going safely.

Distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents, especially from minors with a Junior Operator License. This behavior results in loss of the mental focus required to drive safely, even if you look away momentarily. Additionally, the ongoing problem of driving under the influence is a major threat that is continuing, and even progressing. People may not realize the consequences when taking marijuana or drinking while having the responsibility of operating a vehicle. Functioning while on these substances is almost impossible, significantly impairing judgement, motor coordination, and reaction time. Drivers who take cocaine or methamphetamine can become aggressive and reckless, while other kinds of prescription medicines and alcohol can make the driver feel drowsy. Research studies have shown negative effects of marijuiana on drivers, including an increase in lane weaving, and altered attention to the road, which resulted in creating zero tolerance laws in some states. Impaired drivers can’t accurately assess their own impairment – which is why no one should drive after using any impairing substances, especially ignorant teenagers. Remember: If you feel different, you drive differently.

Thousands of lives are lost each year from inattentive actions, despite the fact that this negligence is completely preventable. Primarily to limit the number of driving-related deaths, obtaining a beneficial education for driving should be required through Drivers Education and Driving lessons to every student. These classes must allow the Junior Operator to learn the proper procedures of how to manage a vehicle including: parallel parking, three-point turns, merging, etc. Also, the driving instructor should be sure the operator feels comfortable and understand the rules of the road. Providing insurance is mandatory in most states, and very important for new drivers. Studying for the permit test, having driving experience, and renewing your license every 5 years can make you feel more comfortable with the road and allow you to become a better driver. Gaining a helpful driving education can limit the consequences of car accidents and enable yourself to feel more reassured while in the driver’s seat. Furthermore, distracted driving can easily be prevented from your own actions. Taking the time to put the phone on silent mode or turning it off restricts cell-phone use while driving, or purchasing a phone free device for directions if you do not have a navigation system. If you still feel tempted to look through your new messages, store your phone in the glove compartment or place it on the backseat. It can wait until you reach your destination, but if it is an emergency pull over to the side of the road. Before driving away, confirm with the way the mirrors are faced and adjust the music. Fiddling with the functions in the car is dangerous and is just as bad as texting. Avoiding involved or animated discussions while driving. Encourage the passengers to remind you to talk about the conversation later when you are no longer driving. As a passenger, encourage distraction-free drivers. You wouldn’t get in a car with a drunk driver, so don’t get in a car with a distracted driver, either. You can help by offering to be a designated device handler, replying to texts, looking up directions, and changing radio stations.

I have experienced the dangerous events of distracted driving first-hand, when I got into a car accident last year. My mother was in the driver’s seat and I was in the passenger seat on a pouring rainy day. I thought nothing of it, until I looked up and saw a Toyota truck coming face on towards our little convertible. I will never forget this day because my life was almost taken if my mother didn’t stop and turn at the perfect time. Fortunately, I did not get injured at all, which is very surprising. However, if the other driver followed the rules of the road and was not distracted then our favorite car would have never been totaled. I am forever thankful to not have gotten hurt and such a dangerous accident from the fault of another individual. It is easy to hurt others at the expense of your own.

In summary, getting involved is important and we can all play a part in the fight to save lives by ending distracted driving. Teenagers can be the best messengers with their peers, so I encourage you to speak up to your friends if you witness them driving distracted and help prevent them from this. Sharing messages on social media that reminds friends, family, and neighbors to not make the deadly choice to drive distracted. Parents and educators should also spread the word and inform young drivers with the responsibilities they carry when operating a vehicle. If you feel strongly about distracted driving, be a voice in your community by supporting local laws, speaking out, and highlighting the common dangers of distracted driving to people around you.