Everyone Comes Home

As an EMT first responder, I have seen some horrific things. Among the worst are motor vehicle accidents, where the outcomes are devastating and life-altering. I have witnessed families torn apart by incidents that could have been easily prevented. These are the events that stay with you forever and make up the content of your nightmares. When my mother was 6 months pregnant with me, she was struck by a person who was texting while driving. Thankfully, she was uninjured. For as long as I can remember, she has taught me the importance of safe driving habits. Things could have turned out very differently for our family had my mother not walked away from that accident. 

The #1 cause of MVCs is distracted driving. This includes phone use, loud music, GPS use, and eating. Phone use is becoming increasingly problematic as technology advances, because phones are essentially handheld computers. Tools such as Apple Driving Focus or LifeSaver are useful because they lock your screen and silence incoming alerts when motion is detected. Other applications, such as Safe 2 Save, reward safe driving through point systems that can be cashed in for discounts. For many drivers, having incentives for safe driving can motivate them to stay alert at the wheel. 

Listening to the radio loudly and changing stations while driving are other unsafe practices. Young drivers, such as myself, are experiencing the newfound freedom of getting up and going whenever we want. Blasting the radio while driving allows us to disconnect from the world and get lost in the music; however, this can be very distracting from the road ahead. Loud volumes can lead to missing crucial warnings, such as horns and emergency sirens. Tools to assist with radio safety include voice-command systems, steering-wheel controls, and preset station buttons. By simply listening to the radio at a decent volume and keeping your eyes on the road, you can avoid accidents. Additionally, long-term exposure to loud music can lead to hearing loss, another significant driving hazard. 

Life is demanding and fast-paced. People are often on the go, forcing themselves to multitask. This often means eating on the go. Eating while driving does not allow for full attention to the road ahead. Juggling multiple items at once, such as drinks and food, makes it impossible to maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel. This can cause swerving in and out of lanes and sharp overcompensation to get back on track. In the unfortunate occasion where spilling hot coffee on yourself is a possibility, severe burns and inadvertent crashes could occur. Designating a safe space to pull over and eat your meals is a safer option to avoid distraction and MVCs. 

Driving recklessly is another hazard. Young drivers my age often think “That won’t happen to me” and have a false sense of security while driving. Some may feel invincible. It is easy to speed when running late or while showing off to your friends. Driving beyond the speed limit takes longer to stop when hazards appear and, in the event of an accident, the higher the speed, the greater the impact. There is a much greater risk of fatality in a high-speed collision than when driving at the speed limit. Seatbelts and airbags may malfunction or not work as well in accidents that occur at high speeds. There are tools that can be installed in vehicles, such as LifeSafer Speed Limiter, that have pre-set restrictions that do not allow your vehicle to drive above the configured speed setting. By utilizing this tool, accidents resulting from speeding can be avoided.

 Having the privilege of being able to drive myself to school as a senior is something I’ve looked forward to since freshman year. This came with the responsibility of getting myself to class on time. I have seen many of my classmates multi-tasking at the wheel such as applying makeup and constantly looking in the mirror while driving. This is extremely distracting, as it only takes seconds to be involved in a collision caused by taking your eyes off the road. It is best to apply makeup before you get into your car or, in a safe spot, while parked. Allowing extra time before driving to your destination to tend to hygiene matters can make a big difference. Vanity is not a reason to become distracted, as it could put you in an extremely detrimental situation that could compromise your well-being.

As we get older, staying up later to hang out with our friends, watch tv, or to study for exams is more common. Driving while sleep-deprived is not a smart decision. Being drowsy can mimic the behavior of being under the influence and can cause delayed reaction times and poor judgment decisions. This can be avoided by going to bed at a decent hour, something teens don’t often do, and getting a good night’s sleep. Avoiding caffeine, screen time, and heavy meals shortly before lying down are a few ways to ensure that good sleep can be obtained. Being well-rested before driving will help you to be sharp and aware of your surroundings, traits that are imperative for safety.

Young drivers are more likely to “party” with friends and give in to peer pressure when it comes to drinking alcohol. This is more prevalent now with graduation celebrations approaching. Some may think that having only one or two drinks will not affect their ability to drive. This mindset will surely result in a precarious situation and is far from the truth. Simple ways to avoid driving while under the influence are NOT to drink and drive, appoint a designated driver, or use rideshare applications such as Uber or Lyft to ensure you arrive at your destination safely. Physical tools include ignition interlock devices. These devices can be installed in your car and require a breath test to detect alcohol content before allowing the vehicle to start. There are also cameras that can detect eye movement and pupil status.

 Poor weather conditions are another factor that can make driving unsafe. Ice, wet surfaces, fog, and wind gusts can be hard to navigate without having years of experience behind the wheel. Allowing more time, leaving a larger gap between you and the vehicle ahead, driving more slowly, or simply not traveling in hazardous conditions are all ways to avoid accidents. Ensuring that your vehicle and tires are well-maintained is essential for driving safety. Some cars are equipped with ABS systems that can help when stopping quickly. Checking weather apps on your phone before traveling is a way to be prepared for the weather or to decide whether to delay travel. If you do decide to venture out, it's wise to carry emergency items in case you get stuck or stranded. 

The best means to facilitate young driver safety, above all, is education and practice. Behind-the-wheel training is fundamental for learning the rules of the road, especially the ones specific to where you live and drive. Using common sense, good judgment, and always wearing your seatbelt will keep you safe and ensure that you will always come home.