When we think of teen driving, we automatically think of distracted drivers with phones in their hands, boys sticking their heads out of the windows, and girls eagerly chatting away while looking in the mirror. While teen drivers do lack the experience, new drivers can feel that they have the ability to breeze through traffic without much issue. This isn’t the case, as teen drivers are the age group that is actually responsible for the most vehicle accidents. The different distractions that teens find themselves indulging in not only risks their lives, but the lives of other people on the road. As we continue to have generations of new drivers join the road, we need to see how it impacts the people of today, how we can advocate for safer driving, and what steps teens can take.
If we wish to know how teen drivers and their safety (or lack thereof) is an issue, we need to look at the facts first. According to the CDC, teens have a smaller chance of recognizing dangerous driving situations, are less likely to wear a seatbelt, and make up a large portion of nighttime and weekend accidents. Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death amongst teenagers. An effective tool that can help address these problems is comprehensive driver's education. Driver education classes can be helpful in warning teens about the dangers of distracted driving by giving them the knowledge, skills and the attitudes needed to be a responsible and safe driver.
Driver’s education can play a vital role in getting teens ready for the road and its many challenges. A program that is well structured can prepare them beyond the mechanics of driving, and should include social, psychological, and environmental aspects of driving. It should not only introduce teens to the rules of the road, but also include driving techniques such as defensive driving and the consequences of risky driving behaviors. It should expose teens to a variety of outcomes when it comes to the hazardous driving, driving under the influence and texting while driving.
Regardless of the driver’s education, most teens will still face a load of challenges when they first hit the road. Some of the most common being distractions such as phones, music, and friends. Personally, one of my biggest distractions is music, that includes the type of music, volume, and changing stations. For me, music has always been a source of energy, comfort, and a way to wind down. I often turn up the volume to stay alert. However, I have noticed lately that it has quickly become a distraction rather than a source of relaxation. I have found myself changing stations, skipping songs, or at times getting so caught up in the song that my focus is no longer on the road. The tricky part is, music does not feel like a distraction, yet in a moment, you can get caught off guard and not live to regret it. It does not take an accident to understand that this innocent distraction can be dangerous. Unlike texting, which is universally recognized as a distraction, music seems harmless.
Lack of experience and overconfidence are perhaps the most fundamental issues to address. New drivers, teens specifically, simply have not spent enough time on the road and have not developed the instincts that come with experienced driving. As teens gradually get behind the wheel, they quickly grow overconfident. They believe they have more skill than they possess, which only increases the chances of driving recklessly. Lack of experience can lead to difficulties responding to dangerous situations and poor decision making; thus leaving the door open to unsafe or dangerous driving. To address this problem, parents can get involved, by providing ongoing supervised driving practice even after the teen has obtained a driver’s license.
So what can we do to promote and prevent distracted driving for ourselves and other drivers? As for myself, I have challenged myself to make small changes that can help me prevent distractions. I now choose the music before I even move the car. I’ve also created a playlist that shuffles through songs so I don't have to, and at times I drive in silence, using that time to enjoy my thoughts. Most importantly, I make a huge effort to not touch my phone by making it completely out of my reach, waiting until I have reached my destination to check my notifications. I also use the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode to make it easier for me to focus. These simple steps are helping me to both reach my goals and my destinations safely.
One distracted moment can change everything, not just in my life, but the lives of others. I now truly understand the responsibility that comes with driving. It is not only about avoiding tickets or keeping up with new laws, it is about the preservation of life. By working together, teen drivers, parents, and educators, we can create a culture of safe and responsible driving that can not only prevent but reduce the number of tragedies involving teen drivers.