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“Two Teens Tragically Lost Their Life Due to a Horrific Automobile Accident this past weekend, reporters say…” the noise of the news reporter began to slowly fade out, my head fell to the floor and my mind was entranced. I wouldn’t be able to count on my hands the number of times I have heard or read this heading or one awfully similar to it if not worse. The harsh reality is that thousands of teens lose their lives in car accidents everyday. The cause of these tragedies being cellphones, driving under the influence, reckless driving, the list goes on. As teens we often think we are invincible, nothing and no one could possibly stop or harm us. Our brains don’t measure out the potential risks of situations causing us to end up in ones completely dangerous, for some however that situation quickly becomes the end. These causes however can be traced back and somewhere in that there is room for further education and awareness. Schools, communities and teens themselves can take the appropriate cautionary actions to help lower the risks and promote safer driving.
Schools are a common ground for most teens, a large majority of us drive to and from school, practices, games and so on. As a highly involved student I often found myself driving to and from school sponsored events during early mornings and late lights. It is needless to say driving was crucial and I am sure some of my fellow peers can say the same. It is the constant interaction with teen drivers and the student body that makes the implementation of promoting drivers safety in schools a no brainer. Schools can hold info sessions, aid in sponsoring drivers safety clubs, and hold drivers safety campaigns. Reaching out to organizations like the DMVEDU.ORG or the do something organization foundation to aid in sponsoring or organizing driver’s safety information sessions could also be amazing ideas and resources. I once heard of a school putting on a fake car crash around the time of prom season to remind students to be safe on the roads during that time of the year. My school specifically had a SADD club (Students Against Destructive Decisions), the club allowed students to attempt a challenge while wearing drunk goggles to show the true effect of driving while impaired. It is needless to say there is awareness being made, however the expansions of these programs to more schools could be highly beneficial and save lives.
The values of a community are what make a residual impact on its citizens. As people we interact with the communities we live in on a daily basis. It ranges from a stop at the grocery store, pumping gas, saying hello to a neighbor and more. If we have such a high interaction with our communities why not aid in promoting something that will help in bringing and keeping them together. The promotion of implementing safe driving habits can be pushed forward in a variety of different ways. Not only can communities engage in similar events such as the ones used in schools but they can also lead by supplying stickers to customers in stores regarding safe driving on the roads especially during peak accident season nearing memorial day and during the fall months. Organizations may even set up a stand/booth at one of the festivals held in the community to help bring awareness to the topic. Opportunities to bring awareness to such an important topic are endless in a community who care for the safety and well being of their citizens.
It is a common saying that “You can not help someone anymore than they want to help themselves”. It is on us as teens to recognize the need for safer driving habits before it’s too late. No one should have to lose their child at such a young age, suffer deadly injuries or hear “Two Teens Tragically Lost Their Life Due to a Horrific Automobile Accident this past weekend” in order for us to identify a need for change. It is important that we identify the issue, take action, and spread the word. All of the actions that can be taken in schools and communities can also be led by teens themselves. We can be the change that is so crucially needed. By reaching out to your local community center, joining or founding a new club at your school, or initiating a campaign promoting safer driving you could be saving yet another life, so take action.