The truth is there are more casualties in teen driving accidents than there were in some of the most catastrophic wars. Now in hindsight, the rules of the road seem like nothing more than a nagging repetition of the old folk’s mantra “Put your safety belt on” or “click it or ticket.” Unfortunately, you should heed the warnings because you cannot afford to take a risk of this significance. Driving safety is important across any demographic but I want to focus on the teens age group.

  The truth is sometimes accidents are just that, accidents and can be out of our control. However, when we take a closer look into the accidents that involves teen drivers, it raises concerns. There has been numerous research done that links more than five reasons for these types of accidents. Some of the reasons the teen accident percentage is so high include distractions, lack of knowledge about the rules of the road and even lack of experience before operating a motor vehicle. In addition to distractions, teens are impressionable and often shaped by the behaviors of their social circles. Therefore putting their lives as well as others at risk. Due to not thinking about the total outcome, consequences can result in injury, death, or corrective action with the law.

  In a world full of distractions, I can see how accidents happen. I mentioned earlier that distractions can play a part in accident rates for teen drivers. Often, the top reason for these tragedies is due to texting and driving. It does not stop there. "Young drivers often engage in multiple distractions while behind the wheel either stopped at a red light or moving through traffic. Safe driving demands your full attention. This means your hands need to be on the wheel, and your eyes on the road. Remember that your objective is to focus on the task at hand, which is to reach your destinations safely. Nothing is more important than your safety!

 Due to ongoing brain development, teens are less equipped to foresee the full impact of their choices. We know this to be true because it is scientifically proven that the frontal lobe is not fully developed until twenty-five years old. It is in their nature to indulge in distractions, as until the frontal lobe is fully developed it is hard to resist them. Although this is the case, all hope is not loss. With technology continuing to improve on a day-to-day basis, there are many system developments that limited distractions. One of which being driver focus, or driving mode that prevents calls, text messages and any other notification will not notify you while its on. This prevents the need to pick up your phone. In addition to this, you can connect your phone to your car for a handsfree option. Young adults are still developing the ability to evaluate outcomes and risks thoroughly and because of this, are subject to do things that may not be the safest. For instance, your friends needs a ride to t

  When I first started driving, I got my license when I was eighteen years old. My dad was a truck driver and trained me on the rules of the road. The day I got my license my parents allowed me to take the car for the day to my friends house. My best friend and I was so excited time begin to fade unbeknownst to us. Before we knew it the dark sky crept up as it was getting darker and darker outside. I had to take the freeway home after I dropped my friend off at her house. I did not feel the most comfortable driving at night because it was harder to see for me. I made it home safely and learned a very vital lesson that night. I learned to get home before it got dark until I felt comfortable to drive in the dark without worry.

  In a different incident, my aunt and I were on our way to work. We were sitting at the intersection light on James Rd and Livingston Ave. When the light finally turned green, we continued straight up James Rd. When we were in the intersection, we were t boned by an ambulance truck. The truck did not have its sirens or lights turned on. The car started to spin out of control. I remember my aunt said “Thank God I drove COTA buses. That’s how I knew to turn the wheel in the direction we were spinning.” Due to those exact skills, we walked away from the accident unharmed. I realized then that you have to be attentive and focused. Driving safely means thinking ahead and staying alert. You’re not just responsible for your own actions and be prepared to react when others aren’t driving responsibly.

  In conclusion, drivers’ education and driver awareness are particularly important. I think it would be tremendously beneficial to have drivers education in high schools so that even those unable to afford drivers school are well educated. I believe, in addition to drivers’ ed, it’s all of our job to educate the youth because we all share the road together. So let us all take a page out of the drivers safety book and remember to be kind and attentive on the road as we inform the generation after us about the law of the road.