As I was buckled in the backseat of my car seat, my father and I were on our way back home from the grocery store. On what felt to be an ordinary commute home, we had been hit head-on by an intoxicated driver. To this day, I still have vivid memories of the accident, which occurred when I was just five years old. I saw a bleeding male trying to flee as I watched my father restrain him until the police arrived. I remember a stranger holding and caring to my youth self while staring at a fatal woman in the passenger seat of an irresponsible van. As graphic as this sounds, this is the reality of being “in the driver's seat.”
Have you ever considered how everyone is heading in different directions on the freeway around you? Some are in mourning on their way to a funeral, while others have a crucial job interview. Whereas one parent may be buying gifts for their daughter's special occasion, while another is searching for a way to pay their next bill. Teenagers always experience an abundance of emotions, even if they are only minor ones. Being young while driving a vehicle, lacking a high level of maturity can be harmful to oneself in addition to those around them if not properly educated. The biggest sense of independence for upcoming adolescents is the felt freedom of getting behind the wheel. Let’s face it; not having to ask mom or dad to take you somewhere is the moment we have all been waiting for. However, there is so much more than pressing the gas pedal.
Such a preventable measure such as driving is labeled number one as the cause of deaths. The CDC argues that male adolescents who are novices, have a passenger related to their age, and drive at night without wearing a seatbelt are more likely to cause accidents because they lack education (CDC, 2024).
Teens experience two major challenges when it comes to driving behind the wheel; distractions and peer pressure. The use of technology is what seems to make up the world within this generation. Social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Streams have been an obstruction lately. The National Institution of Health (NIH) states how within the teen age range, insurance companies have received increased claims through analysis in the use of social media while operating a motor vehicle (Delgado, 2016).
Patience isn’t a trait that is built within everyone. Regardless of whether you are traveling at the speed limit, the individual who is behind you might negatively convince you to increase your speed by 10 miles per hour. Upon this, the reckless driver may purposely ride your bumper, blow their horn, or even use verbal and nonverbal language. It is natural that any individual, certainly adolescents, could encounter a sense of higher peer pressure whenever they become exposed to a new scene. It's not always strangers that provoke peer pressure; friends who are riding in the same vehicle can additionally encourage careless behavior. NIH explains how individuals who are solely driving on their own tend to experience more of a safer journey than one with a passenger alongside (Bingham et al. 2016).
When it pertains to the awful tragedies that have stolen the lives of innocent people due to reckless driving; schools, the community, and even the individual teenagers themselves can all partake in a change for once. Touching on the crucial component itself, the teenager needs to take action within accountability while establishing priorities. These adolescents should be able to fully understand and undertake the tasks of wearing seatbelts, driving sober, and complying by the law. Within this case of delivering important education to the local youths, the county ought to enable a certain degree of excitement within the school system. This will not only engage the kids' interest, but it will also act as an ongoing resource of expertise that they can swiftly recall when the time is suitable. Inviting in the local police department to volunteer in speaking on experienced accidents, while also involving activities that point out the “dos” and “don'ts” when driving on public roads are all essential. Lastly, the community itself can take action in working together to make sure all kids are safe. Strategies such as parental open communication; allowing parents to spread awareness to other children, being a role model in safe driving and also setting boundaries when it comes to curfew. Adults should supervise their newly adolescent drivers, pointing out the right and wrong habits of driving while also instilling confidence in them. If it weren't for my mother educating me about the “blindspot”, I would have been involved in an accident. Blind spots were never anything I learned about or was tested for when I got my permit. I am now knowledgeable on the importance of someone being hidden and taking action in checking my surroundings before switching lanes to prevent any harm.
As a whole, we must begin to take action in reducing unnecessary deaths. Although it may be a challenge for some, we can begin to reduce distractions and peer pressure. With the support of the community, schools, and novice drivers themselves; we can enjoy safer travels.