There is a massive concern about the driving habits of teenagers. As youth mature and grow older, we naturally advance to the experience of driving. Teenage driver safety needs to be addressed and assisted, as many are drawn to texting while driving, or driving while under the influence of substances. There is also the concern of experience, as we do not have the amount of repetitions that adults do. Teenage driving can be helped in several ways to make it safer and more comfortable for everyone. There are so many distractions and dangers that we must steer clear of.
First, the safety of teenage drivers is a public issue. Teens are not the only people affected by these drivers. Adults and those on the road are all impacted by youth drivers, and driver’s education can play a role in preparing adolescents for driving around others. Driver’s education can teach defensive driving skills and allow students to get practice driving in a safer environment. As a teenager who drives a manual transmission vehicle, learning tips from driver’s education would be so beneficial. Teachers could help students grow more comfortable behind the wheel, as control of the car is a requirement for safe driving, and new drivers must feel capable of handling their vehicles. This allows adults to mentor teen drivers and lend valuable advice. Driver’s education must emphasize the importance of avoiding distractions while driving.
Teenage drivers face challenges frequently on the road. Decision-making on the road can be difficult, as we can doubt ourselves or second-guess choices. Confidence in decisions could be supported by parents of teenage drivers, as well as other adults. Critiquing techniques and decisions in a productive way can help new drivers learn tips and tricks for navigating the roads. Peer pressure also impacts young drivers, as the need to please adults and friends plays a role in the way people drive and navigate. Those who seek attention may drive more recklessly, while those who are urged on by passengers may drive faster than they are comfortable going. Yet another way to help drivers feel more comfortable on the road is taking a class. Facing difficult situations in a controlled environment with an adult to correct can be life changing.
One thing that played an enormous role in my confidence in driving was a safe teenage driving class that I participated in. My local police put this program on for free with the purpose of teaching new drivers how to drive defensively and safely. This class taught me so much about how road safety is extremely necessary. Drunk driving is no joke, and texting and driving is never worth the cost. The police officers that led the class guided each participant in the group through obstacles and explained better ways to respond to obstacles on the road. One portion of the class involved the participant wearing glasses that simulated the vision of those who are drunk. Whoever was wearing the glasses then had to steer through a cluster of cones. Maneuvering through these obstacles seemed impossible. Almost every cone was knocked over in the attempt to steer straight through them. I have a family member who was a drunk driver, and from her experience I know how dangerous these distractions can be. It is so important that we do not fall into these struggles, as they only lead to regret. Another overlooked aspect of safe driving is using a seatbelt. Many younger people find seatbelts to be uncomfortable or annoying and opt out of using a potentially life-saving device. Seatbelts keep people from launching out of cars if they stop suddenly or end up crashing. While these situations are far from ideal, they are a reality that needs addressing, and using precautions such as seatbelts can make a difference.
Safe driving must be emphasized. Teenagers, schools, and even the community overlook the inexperience of new drivers and thrust them into the chaos of driving. Properly equipping students with safe driving tactics, methods of handling situations, and experience will help teen drivers. Adults setting good examples, such as hands-free driving and careful navigation, can demonstrate safer ways of driving. Teenagers can avoid pressuring their friends or classmates into stressful situations and assist them instead. Schools can offer driver’s education classes and help teach other methods of steering and controlling cars. The community can support new drivers, instead of honking at students and putting additional pressure on them to perform exceptionally. Guiding younger people instead of putting them down will help drivers feel more comfortable on the road, and with repetitions comes better performance. If drivers are encouraged, they will continue to drive on the road, and through these repetitions, build skill. Help other drivers out and have patience, and the roads will become safer. Encourage everyone to steer clear of distracted driving.