Don’t Distract the Driver

As a new teen driver, my parents have a new worry to add to their list when I leave the house. “Don’t distract the driver” is what my mother says when I get in the car with friends and what she tells my brothers when they get in the car with me. I appreciate this advice because it reminds me that not only am I a new driver, but my friends are too. Main distractions we all assume come from texting, answering phone calls, or playing loud music. We never think that engaging with the driver in conversation, asking questions or even telling them to look at something in or outside the car is extremely dangerous. It just takes a second to lose attention from the road and directions and become distracted by the passengers in your car. For example, in the mornings when I drive my brothers to school, there are times when we are rushed and running late. Like most siblings, we argue and rush each other out the door. My mother always reminds my brothers “don’t distract the driver”. She continues by warning them that by continuing to bicker about being late will distract me as their driver and potentially put all of us in danger of an accident. Her words have always been useful with us commuting peacefully not only to school in the morning but whenever I drive my brothers. “Don’t distract the driver” are the same words my mother says when I get in the car with my friends. She says to save the sharing of stories until we arrive at our destination, it can wait. As new drivers, we don’t have the sharp instincts and critical thinking in our driving skills yet. Even turning on the radio, increasing the volume, and singing along can encourage the driver to join in and this is an act of distracting the driver. I always am conscious of not bringing food or drinks in the car until I become a more experienced driver. Navigating, eating, and drinking while driving can be extremely distracting and I never tempt my friends with a trip to Starbucks, etc. Another consideration would be distracting the driver with views outside the car like observing a friend walking by or an interesting view. I must be responsible for my distractions to the driver of the car and respect that mine and their attention should always be on the road. The number 1 cause of driver distraction is using cell phones to talk and text, causing 26% of car crashes reported by the National Safety Council. Other driving distractions include daydreaming, watching roadside diversions, entertainment and more. I try to be mindful of all these facts and help keep us safe while I am a passenger. When researching this essay, I learned about other driver distractions I had not thought of before like reaching for an object inside the vehicle, putting on makeup and grooming, fixating on navigation or Bluetooth, all very understandable. In 2021, teenagers accounted for 7% of motor vehicle deaths, 9% of passenger occupant deaths and 3% of pedestrian deaths. These are very scary statistics for a teen driver. Drivers’ education did not provide information about 3,000 teens dying every year in traffic accidents and that 20% of 16-year-old will be involved in an accident in their first year of driving. While the focus is learning about speed limits, road signs and right of way, I feel in would be insightful to also receive training about distractions and teen statistics. I think most teens would pay attention and appreciate learning about the risk of accidents are higher among young drivers between the ages of 16 and 19. Drivers in this age range are almost three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. The CDC bases this. In my state of Massachusetts, drivers’ education requires only 30 hours of classroom instruction of motor vehicle law and proper operation of a vehicle. Followed by 12 hours of driving lessons before taking your road test. Experience comes with time and the beginning years as a driver are critical in developing skills with instincts and management of distractions. “Don’t distract the driver” will always be important words of advice from my mother, not only because she repeats if often, but because I agree with the warning. Regardless of if my passengers think I’m distant and unsocial while driving, I know that I am being responsible and safe. Please consider sharing these words the next time you interact with a teen behind the wheel, “don’t distract the driver”.