Finally, the school day has ended. I get to my car as fast as possible, trying to beat the car line that will inevitably appear. I cruise through the parking lot, stopping once I reach the already building line of cars. Eventually, the traffic guards let cars out, and so I followed the line of vehicles onto the main road. It’s only a short drive to my house, and before I know it I’ve reached the light for my neighborhood. I enter the right turn lane behind another high school student who’s been in front of me since the car line, noting the red light and preparing to stop. The student in front of me slows down, but doesn’t stop. Instead, it continues past the stop line and turns into the neighborhood. A kid in the crosswalk has stopped, looking at me like a deer looks at headlights. I come to a complete stop at the red light, allowing the kid to safely finish crossing. If that kid had been a few feet to the right, the driver in front of me could have easily hit him.
Having teenagers behind the wheel is a controversial topic, and for a good reason. Most teenagers are rash, with the belief that they are untouchable. Additionally, teenagers often lack the life experience to act calmly and quickly in an unexpected situation. These aspects, combined with the rise of technological distractions, make teenage driving seem like a death wish. Yet, as a teen driver myself, I believe it is not a lost cause. Being able to drive is a game changer, and with the correct training and education, the controversy surrounding the issue could one day disappear.
Teenagers are far from the only drivers on the road. In fact, I’ve seen plenty of older drivers enact reckless driving behavior. It seems nobody knows how to use a turning signal, and why even bother with a speed limit when everyone drives ten over? Implementing the correct education for teenage drivers will greatly reduce these dangers. Not only will driver’s education make teenagers more aware of the risks; it will also help them develop the proper driving habits to allow safe driving well into their adult lives.
But, driver’s education alone is not enough. To prevent the plethora of accidents our country faces each year, teenagers need to be aware of the dangers. Statistics, such as the comparison between casualties of car crashes and war found on this website, are a great way to open the eyes of teenagers. Furthermore, sharing stories of those who have been in car accidents can help teenagers truly understand why responsible driving is imperative. By hearing real stories, especially personal ones, about other teens who have been injured, or even killed by reckless driving, teenagers will gain a newfound respect for the practice, and are sure to be more considerate when on the road.
Further training on making quick decisions, and thinking about “if then” plans can prepare teenagers to effectively face any unexpected situations while on the road. When I was learning to drive, my father walked me through many situations I had never considered. Topics like hydroplaning, broken stop lights, and even the safest ways to swerve in case of a deer or another car were just a few situations I had never put a single thought into. Walking through these situations, either through the driver’s education course, with a program at school, or with their parents can prepare them for all situations, even the ones they least expect.
To prevent distracted driving, schools can put posters or signs around the halls and parking lots to remind students to stay off their phones. Hefty fines, as well as a police presence can also promote safe driving. The sheriff at my school hardly watches our roadways. As a result, most students ignore the 15 mph speed limit, with some even going 30 mph through the parking lots. With greater enforcement of the law, teenagers will be deterred from violating laws, preventing them from developing harmful driving habits. Teenagers themselves can also promote safe driving by encouraging their fellow peers to be safe on the road. Silencing their phones, having a set playlist they don’t need to monitor, and applying their ideal car settings before starting their drive can reduce distractions. Additionally, teenagers can talk with their friends about driving directly, which is likely to have a greater impact than a stranger, or someone found on the other side of a screen.
All in all, the sooner we find and implement ways to improve the learning process, the better. Spreading awareness via statistics and personal stories will greatly help teenage drivers understand the dangers. Further training and developing effective plans can help build confidence and maintain good driving habits. Reminders from schools, law enforcement, and even friends to silence their phones before driving will greatly improve focus, lowering the amount of risk teenage drivers experience on the road. Reinforcing safe driving practices will save an unfathomable amount of lives. It will keep the teens behind the wheel, their potential passengers, other drivers, and roadways as a whole safe, benefiting all of society.