For many of us, driving at first seems fun, even a token of freedom. Most new drivers are teens, a time often considered to explore and maybe be rebellious. Quickly, you realize that driving is a serious responsibility, and if not done safely, it can result in injury or even death, to you or others. Teen driver safety is a major public issue. Driver's education should not only instruct people how to drive a vehicle but also emphasize the responsibility that comes with it, both for their own safety and for everyone else on the road. 
One major issue I notice with teen drivers is a lack of experience. As a new driver, it can be intimidating to learn new routes or perform certain maneuvers you have not perfected yet. That fear can lead to mistakes, but there is a way to overcome them. Watching instructional videos online about specific things you struggle with like turns, merging, or roundabouts can help. Some GPS apps or websites offer street-view features, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the area and streets that you will drive on. This can help you feel more prepared. If possible, going on drives to unfamiliar destinations during low-traffic hours or using open parking lots to practice your skills can help you gain more experience. 
Another major issue for teen drivers is distractions, especially from phones. I understand driving can be boring at times or for some it is tempting to respond right away to a call or text, but using your phone is not worth risking your life or someone else’s. Some tips I would give teen drivers to break this habit include letting those you are texting know ahead of time that you’ll be driving, silencing notifications or putting your phone on do not disturb mode to avoid temptation, and listening to music or a podcast to stay focused but eliminating the boredom. If something truly cannot wait, pull over into a parking lot, complete your text or call before continuing back onto the road. 
When I was a teen, the only time I really learned about driver safety was in high school and even then, it was not taught enough. One day, they held a driver’s safety PSA in the auditorium where a man shared the heartbreaking story of losing his daughter due to unsafe driving. Another time, while taking my online permit test, I watched videos about the dangers of texting and driving. At that moment, I remember telling myself that I would never text and drive and I have not. 
Thankfully, I have never been in a serious situation involving distracted driving, but there were moments when I felt concerned. There were a few times I remember sitting in the passenger seat while a friend kept glancing at their phone, and I would start to watch them nervously or ask them to stop. One night, an old friend of mine was texting while turning onto a road and began heading toward the curb. They swerved suddenly back into the lane and quickly apologized. I was annoyed because it felt completely avoidable and made me question whether they cared about their safety or mine. 
There are actions that can help promote safe driving among teens. Parents play an important role and should consistently remind their kids of the risks of unsafe driving, but ultimately, it is up to the teens to apply what they have been taught. One thing that helped me personally was watching dashcam and driving videos. Some may be difficult to watch, but they give you a real sense of how quickly things can go wrong on the road. These videos helped me improve my defensive driving and can teach teens the consequences of driving unsafely. 
Schools also have an opportunity to do more. Driver safety should not be a one-time presentation; it needs to be emphasized across all grade levels. One idea could be having students write a research paper or essay on teen driver safety as part of an English or health class. This could encourage them to see for themselves real stories and statistics, making the message stick.
The importance of safe driving should not have to be learned through a tragedy, especially one that could have been prevented. Life is valuable, and for teens, a moment of distraction might not seem like a big deal but even just in one second, everything could change. If you have the chance to drive safely, take it. It is a choice that could save a life.