Teen driving is a significant public issue that is often overlooked or rarely addressed beyond a simple joke. We frequently say “teens make bad choices” or “teens are reckless,” but there is a lot we can do to better prepare teens for driving. Car fatalities are exceptionally high in our country, and we should set teens up for success so that they can create a safer driving future, not just for themselves but everyone on the road. Driver's education is a major tool we often overlook or view as a punishment for a speeding ticket. Many useful insights and tips are given during such classes, and from experience, I can say that the driving hours and classes prepare you for the road far better than just driving in the car.

A professional passing on insights and useful rules on the road can make a major difference in how we view and respond to situations we come across. It also allows for a more accurate experience and safer habits to be made as opposed to simply learning in an empty lot. An instructor can better explain often overlooked practices, such as hand placement while turning the wheel to maximize control of your vehicle or a safe following distance, depending on the traveling speed. There are, of course, a lot of outside factors that must be considered when it comes to teen driving.

In a world of notifications and devices, distractions can be a major danger to new drivers. Texting while driving is a major issue I see countless times, both on the road and in the passenger seat. It’s best to get into the habit of telling those you are talking to that you are about to drive, and if need be, they can call you. Otherwise, a hands-free approach is best. Some cars have added features to read your texts, but if that isn’t in the vehicle, then ignoring it until you are no longer on the road is the safest course of action. Ultimately, the phone should be your last priority on the road. Oftentimes, young drivers will also make mistakes out of simple inexperience. There is often pressure involved when in stressful situations where you are uncertain of the decisions to make. It is always important to keep a level head, and if too difficult or dangerous, I always recommend taking a slightly different route. For example, sometimes I will opt into doing a safe U-turn at a later point rather than try to make a left turn, cutting across multiple lanes of traffic if I don’t feel like it is the safest option. Peer pressure and speed often go hand in hand in many cases. Perhaps you don’t want to look bad showing up late to work, or maybe you drive “too slow” for your friends' liking. This is one of the most difficult battles for many to overcome, but safety and control of the vehicle are far more important than people’s perception of you. In the end, it is better to guide others and be a good role model than to fall into something you may regret later.

We all unfortunately have stories of driving accidents and mistakes that could have been avoided. Recently, my boyfriend crashed while riding his motorcycle over many avoidable reasons. Most notably, being inattentive and panicking. Had he been paying better attention to the road, he could have slowed down far sooner. Even he admits that if he had been more attentive, he could have assessed the situation better and used the various techniques presented in the driving courses, saving him from having the bike lock up its rear wheel, sending him drifting sideways at highway speeds. He’s incredibly lucky to have lived. It is also important to note that if the other drivers on the highway were distracted, then it could have been even more disastrous, but they also played their part. Now, the many consequences of this accident include higher insurance premiums, a ticket for failure to control, several hospital bills, broken bones, and severe road rash due to not wearing protective gear. This also mentally affected those who cared about him, including his family, friends, and me. But he is alive to share his story of what happens when safety on the road isn’t a priority. Others don’t always get that luxury. Live and learn. Learning from the mistakes of others is also important. Practice of basics should never be underestimated, and the many educational courses available can benefit all kinds of motorists in situations like these.
I believe there should be a lot more discussions about safe driving, especially at schools and by families. Schools often don’t even acknowledge anything driving-related beyond an occasional 'buckle up' campaign, leaving many teens unaware of the seriousness of the mistakes they can make. More programs, campaigns, and courses relating to it would be incredibly beneficial in cultivating good driving habits among teen drivers. Programs led by officers can also be beneficial in cultivating a trusting and safe environment where officers are seen as allies, as opposed to a threat to “fun activities” such as street racing.
Parents should also take an active role in teaching their children to drive and set a good example from an early age, ensuring that safe habits are established as normal procedures from a young age. Stricter rules for acquiring a license must also be implemented to ensure that young drivers know more than just how to drive from point A to B, but also possess more advanced knowledge, such as how to adjust their driving style based on weather or other conditions. Ultimately, I think it would be beneficial to require a driver's ed class to get your driver's license. We all have a role to play in order to create a safer future. It can start with just a simple conversation.