As I held my newly minted driver’s license, as I gripped the steering wheel at a busy intersection, as I sighed heavily seeing my family’s sky high car insurance tab, I thought to myself one phrase in each of those moments: I don’t want to be a statistic. As I sat in friends’ cars that have recklessly sped, as I was a witness to my mom’s traffic citation, or have seen people texting in the car next to me, I thought to myself: I don’t want to be a statistic.

I want to be the outlier, the statistical improbability, the one out of countless to defy the “odds”.

Globally, car accidents are the leading cause of death among young adults ages 15-29 (Safer America). In 2017, 2,364 teens in the United States aged 16-19 were killed and about 300,000 were treated for injuries in motor vehicle crashes (CDC). Per mile driven, teen drivers (16-19) are nearly 3x more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash (CDC).

As seen, drivers ed remains a priority and preventative measure for teens and all new drivers alike. A study in 2015 that followed teen drivers over eight years found that drivers ed significantly reduces crashes and traffic violations. At an age when risk is highest, drivers ed provides everything from a first guided experience on the road to safety tips from a knowledgeable instructor. To the new driver, drivers ed is invaluable and provides a different perspective than that of driving in a parking lot with a parent.

Drivers ed is only required in 32 states for teens before they get their license. For the 16 states that do not require drivers ed, a first step would be mandating an instructor-led course for the whole country. Recognizing that this is such a prevalent issue, local and state governments should take action to protect the next generation of teen drivers.

Since receiving my license, driving has become an escape for me. A little taste of freedom and responsibility that comes with my blocky 2009 Toyota van. Even as a new driver, there are many steps I can take to become a safer driver. This includes the practice of defensive driving such as controlling speed, constantly scanning mirrors and blindspots, avoiding tunnel vision, and maintaining a safe following distance. To change lanes, simply SMOG (Signal, Mirror, Over the Shoulder, and Go). Seat belts are a must. Think before you drink. Obey the right of way. Simply put, all these tips and the added drivers ed serves as needed reinforcement and preparation which could be the tipping point on the scale of life and death.