Some individuals say driving is a thoughtless activity, but they couldn't be further from the truth. It is extremely important that teenagers get proper driver's education. When a new driver doesn't have proper driving education they are risking their life and others. A teenager learning the rules and laws of the road when they first start driving can help prevent them getting in accidents. As well as catching bad habits that can lead into their adulthood.
Driver's education provides knowledge and skills to drive safely and responsibly. It teaches traffic laws, road safety, how to avoid distractions, skills to navigate the road, and general safety. It also provides the youth with experience, and confidence while behind the wheel.
According to the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, “ A study of 150,000 teen drivers showed that 11.1% of those who completed drivers ed were involved in a crash, compared to 12.9% of those who didn’t.” This is a 4.3% reduction in crashes to those who completed driver's ed. Taking drivers ed can even have financial benefits. Some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed a drivers education program, potentially saving money.
Teenagers face numerous challenges during their time of driving. Some examples are their cell phones being a distraction; if that's using snapchat, changing music, phone calls, and even watching tiktoks. A recent study shows that teen drivers spend about 21.1% of their driving time looking at their phone. That is a huge chunk of their time. Just a quick glance at your phone can cause a major accident. Another example is peer pressure especially in teen boys. Teen boys typically encourage doing burn outs, racing on the highway, not wearing their seatbelts, and even driving under the influence. Although boys are more likely to encourage this risky behavior while driving this does not exclude girls from encouraging this behavior. These dangerous risks to impress your friends are truly not worth the consequences that come from these actions.
Teens can overcome these challenges by putting their cell phone away in a bag where they can't reach it. Creating a focused environment. As well as being aware and understanding the dangers that these risky behaviors could cause.
I lived in Tucson Arizona for about a year and in the short time I have realized how scary and dangerous the roads are. The drivers are inconsiderate and in a rush everywhere they go. There are over 331 car accidents per day in Arizona. The Tucson police department reported over 5,200 car accidents every year in just Tucson alone. All though half of the car accidents in Tucson result in no injuries. The number of fatalities has risen from 60 to 91 as of 2023. On average Tucson has one of the highest number of fatal accidents in the country. I have observed since living in Tucson that most people speed everywhere they go exceeding the speed limit 10- 20mph over the posted limit. Drivers will cut in and out of traffic with no blinkers leaving you no idea what they are gonna do and have to act quick to avoid getting hit. And turning or making a U- Turn right in front of you while you go through an intersection. It is extremely important that drivers follow the rules of the road and safe driving. When you don't follow safe driving and the law you are potentially causing harm to yourself and others. This could result in injuries, vehicle damages, and even worse fatality. Teenagers taking driver's education could help prevent some of these examples of dangerous driving through their teenage years and adult years. Lowering the number of accidents that occur. Making the roads safer for everyone.
Actions need to be taken to make our teen drivers aware and understand the importance of driver education. High schools can provide a FREE mandatory elective class that provides drivers education. That way all students and young drivers will get the education they need to drive safely. Community centers can also hold a free drivers education to teens who might be home schooled or just want more education and practice before they get behind the wheel. Teens can also take action by being more aware of what is going on and putting away all distractions while driving. Speaking up when they are with someone who isn't driving safely responsibly.
It takes everyone in the community to stand up and help our youth become safe and educated drivers.
References
Bleaman Law Firm PC Injury Lawyers, Tucson Car Accident Statistics
University of Nebraska- Lincoln UNL News Release - Study: Driver’s Ed significantly reduces teen crashes, tickets
Driver's education provides knowledge and skills to drive safely and responsibly. It teaches traffic laws, road safety, how to avoid distractions, skills to navigate the road, and general safety. It also provides the youth with experience, and confidence while behind the wheel.
According to the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, “ A study of 150,000 teen drivers showed that 11.1% of those who completed drivers ed were involved in a crash, compared to 12.9% of those who didn’t.” This is a 4.3% reduction in crashes to those who completed driver's ed. Taking drivers ed can even have financial benefits. Some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed a drivers education program, potentially saving money.
Teenagers face numerous challenges during their time of driving. Some examples are their cell phones being a distraction; if that's using snapchat, changing music, phone calls, and even watching tiktoks. A recent study shows that teen drivers spend about 21.1% of their driving time looking at their phone. That is a huge chunk of their time. Just a quick glance at your phone can cause a major accident. Another example is peer pressure especially in teen boys. Teen boys typically encourage doing burn outs, racing on the highway, not wearing their seatbelts, and even driving under the influence. Although boys are more likely to encourage this risky behavior while driving this does not exclude girls from encouraging this behavior. These dangerous risks to impress your friends are truly not worth the consequences that come from these actions.
Teens can overcome these challenges by putting their cell phone away in a bag where they can't reach it. Creating a focused environment. As well as being aware and understanding the dangers that these risky behaviors could cause.
I lived in Tucson Arizona for about a year and in the short time I have realized how scary and dangerous the roads are. The drivers are inconsiderate and in a rush everywhere they go. There are over 331 car accidents per day in Arizona. The Tucson police department reported over 5,200 car accidents every year in just Tucson alone. All though half of the car accidents in Tucson result in no injuries. The number of fatalities has risen from 60 to 91 as of 2023. On average Tucson has one of the highest number of fatal accidents in the country. I have observed since living in Tucson that most people speed everywhere they go exceeding the speed limit 10- 20mph over the posted limit. Drivers will cut in and out of traffic with no blinkers leaving you no idea what they are gonna do and have to act quick to avoid getting hit. And turning or making a U- Turn right in front of you while you go through an intersection. It is extremely important that drivers follow the rules of the road and safe driving. When you don't follow safe driving and the law you are potentially causing harm to yourself and others. This could result in injuries, vehicle damages, and even worse fatality. Teenagers taking driver's education could help prevent some of these examples of dangerous driving through their teenage years and adult years. Lowering the number of accidents that occur. Making the roads safer for everyone.
Actions need to be taken to make our teen drivers aware and understand the importance of driver education. High schools can provide a FREE mandatory elective class that provides drivers education. That way all students and young drivers will get the education they need to drive safely. Community centers can also hold a free drivers education to teens who might be home schooled or just want more education and practice before they get behind the wheel. Teens can also take action by being more aware of what is going on and putting away all distractions while driving. Speaking up when they are with someone who isn't driving safely responsibly.
It takes everyone in the community to stand up and help our youth become safe and educated drivers.
References
Bleaman Law Firm PC Injury Lawyers, Tucson Car Accident Statistics
University of Nebraska- Lincoln UNL News Release - Study: Driver’s Ed significantly reduces teen crashes, tickets
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Bridging Fear with Responsibility: A Reflection on Teen Driver Safety
Michael Beck
