According to the Federal Highway Administration, while teen drivers only make up about 3.7 percent of American license holders, they are responsible for nearly eight percent of fatal crashes. These startling statistics are a result of many factors, such as distraction, peer pressure, and sheer inexperience. Gen Z, the newest drivers on the road, have lived their whole lives with devices like cell phones. Because of the familiarity with these devices, many teen drivers feel that they can safely multi-task: that they can operate a vehicle and a mobile device at the same time. However, this overconfidence can be fatal. Because of their lack of experience, teen drivers are often considered to be the most dangerous age group of drivers. Add to this the fact that many teen drivers push the limits on speed and general safety on the road because they want to impress their passengers, and the risks are even higher. On top of these unique risks, there is the added factor of inexperience. Even after passing the necessary driver’s education classes, many teen drivers are still very unsure of themselves and are still learning things on the road. Much of what well-seasoned drivers know can only be learned through experience, such as depth perception, timing on turns, and alertness on the expressway. Many teens know that they have a lot to learn, and this adds the factor of nervousness. Hesitation, present in those unsure of their capabilities, can be just as dangerous as overconfidence in those who believe themselves to be more capable than they really are. There are ways to overcome these obstacles. As far as inexperience goes, the only way to solve that issue is to simply practice. Starting out in a controlled driving environment like a parking lot or a small town may be best for nervous drivers, but they will get a feel for the vehicle and become more comfortable. The best way to avoid distractions is to follow the laws in place to protect against them. Many states prohibit the use of handheld devices while driving, and many others limit the number of peers a teen driver can have in their car for the first few months of owning a license. The rules of the road are in place to protect the people, but they are of no use if they are ignored. And finally, many teens emulate the driving style they have grown up observing. Parents should demonstrate good driving habits in order to provide their teens with an example worth following. Why would a teen listen to his parent’s instruction if the parent has not exhibited good behavior? And finally, teen driving can be made safer by establishing a healthy attitude surrounding it. It is vital that teens be made aware of all the risks associated with driving. Operating a vehicle should not be taken lightly. Many teens view getting a driver's license as a gateway to adulthood and freedom, but receiving that piece of paper in the mail is not reason to throw caution to the wind. Human lives are risked when drivers do not take their responsibility seriously. Driver’s education should play a huge role in ensuring that teens are aware of the dangers of driving. Instructors should be careful to properly inform their students about the statistics of crashes involving teen drivers and the serious responsibility they accept when they receive a license to operate a vehicle. Driver’s education instructors should also continue to highlight the elevated penalties for teen drivers involved in accidents. While very inconvenient for those who may lose their license for a few months as a result of an accident, these driving laws attempt to instill a serious attitude in teens regarding accidents and road safety. A temporary hold on a teen’s driver’s license is a small price to pay if it can prevent loss of life and teach them accountability for their actions. Adult freedoms require adult consequences. I have many friends who have gotten in car accidents, both their fault or the other driver’s. And though they were frustrated at losing their driving privileges for a while, the accident caused them to be much more cautious drivers. My friend was hit by another car, and now we cannot go anywhere without a seat belt on. A serious experience like a car accident causes those involved to be more aware of the risks associated with driving and often more serious about preventing them. Our communities can assist the issue of safe teen driving by continuing to promote good driving habits and enforcing driving laws. Teens can promote safe driving by following the rules of the road and encouraging their peers to do the same. Everyone is safer when the road is a level playing field.