Driving safety is an important topic that everyone should be educated on, especially teenagers. In these times, there are so many distractions that can cause teenagers to potentially harm themselves or others. Even though I don’t have any personal experiences on how unsafe teen driving has affected my life, I have heard other stories that opened my eyes on how deadly it can be. There are also actions that I believe should be put first and emphasized to teens, schools, and communities so we can create a safer environment.

According to reports, “Drivers ages 16-17 continue to have the highest rates of crash involvement, injuries to themselves and others, and deaths of others in crashes in which they are involved.” Why is this the case? I believe this is the case because teenagers are in a pivotal stage between a child and an adult. We have more knowledge and awareness than a child, but our brains are still not fully developed. This means we are lacking maturity, thinking skills, and still can make dumb choices. Because of these things, teens need Driver’s Education so that they can know how to use a vehicle properly. At the end of the day, even though a vehicle is used to get from one destination to another, it can also be a dangerous weapon, which can and has ended many lives.

Many things can be challenging for teens, especially when they need to be focusing on the road. For example, phone calls, text messages, distracting passengers, anger, feeling tired, lack of knowledge about the car, road, and the laws. Teenagers should avoid all of these issues if they can. Coming from experience, when I first started practicing driving, I needed silence, the guidance of my mother, and total and complete focus so that I could look at my surroundings to see where people, signs, and objects were. I believe teens should follow these same steps or make their own that can ensure that they can drive safely. All devices should be put up; they should have people in their car who are not going to be a distraction and respect them. Also, making sure you're not driving if you're upset or angry. Make sure to relax for a bit and blow off some steam before heading on the road. And make sure to be as educated as possible on the laws of the road. This can not only ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers, but others around them as well.

I remember when I was in Driver’s Ed, my instructor showed us a video of a horrific car crash caused by two teenagers. The accident happened because two siblings decided they wanted to race down the street, which caused one of them to kill two other teenagers. This one reckless action cost two people their lives. A less serious situation happened to me last October, but it wasn’t caused by a teenager; instead, it was an adult. My mom was driving us back home after picking me up from school. We were at a stoplight for a few seconds when the car behind us rear-ended us. Luckily, we didn’t have too many injuries, but my mom’s leg was bruised badly and my back was hurt for about a week. The left side of the car was ruined; the bumper was almost hanging off. When we got to the police station later on, we found out the driver was looking for his phone in his bag and still had his foot on the gas and hit us. Soon after, mom’s car had to be totaled since it was too old to be repaired. Luckily, my mom had enough money saved to get a new car, which we still have now. But it still shows that even adults can cause accidents. From these two incidents, I’ve learned not to use your vehicle as a racing toy and to always pay attention to the cars and people on and around the road because you never know whose life you can impact.

Actions I believe should be taken for teens are to first take driving seriously and not let anything keep you from being focused on the road. As well as making sure people who may be entering your vehicle know where you stand in your seriousness about driving. Make sure you're not using your phone or even going as far as putting it on do not disturb. And making sure you're in the right state of mind to drive properly. Schoosl can also make sure one of their top prioritiesis to educate teens on Driver’s Safety. Do not just throw in some random course and a lazy teacher, but a class that truly educates the students and makes them aware of the importance of driving safely. Schools can also help teenagers understand driving on a deeper level by making them understand the privilege and responsibility they have been given. And even holding some teens back from getting their permit if they feel like they're ot ready to be on the road. Communities can also help by providing free programs and events for teens talking about safe driving. And make sure that it’s a well-known topic for teens in the area.

In conclusion, Driver’s Education is very important, especially for teens coming into adulthood. Teens should understand the true meaning of using a vehicle in the safest way possible. As well as prohibit distractions from taking their focus off the road. Schools and communities should work together to make sure safe driving is being promoted and taught everywhere, whether it’s a program or just a simple poster outside the school. That way, our roads can be safer and have responsible drivers using them.