For You, For Me, For Us

Helen Li

Reckless driving is when one operates a vehicle in a manner which endangers the lives of others and/or objects, regardless of intention. The minimum age to drive in the United States is 16 in some states and 18 in others. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, over 60% of teens got their driver's license before turning 18 [1]. Teen drivers ages 16-17 are reported to be three times more likely than adults to be associated in deadly car crashes. Car crashes are preventable, and there are numerous precautions one can take to ensure safety - for you, for me, for us.

According to Create Real Impact, approximately "11 teens die every day in collisions" [2], and although there are multitudinous explanations as to why many teens drive recklessly, parents play a major role in teens' driving attitudes. Parents have been a significant influence to their childrens' upbringing, and driving is not an exception. Unfortunately, "studies show that only about 25 percent of parents have talked to their teens about driving safety" [3]. Parents should be present in the vehicle to monitor their teens' driving behavior, along with informing them about all the dangers and risks that they can face if they do not abide by traffic laws.

Cell phone use while driving is dangerous and illegal, regardless of age. In fact, "at least 1 in 4 of all car collisions involves phone use" [2]. Therefore, one should restrain themselves from answering texts, calls and surfing the web when one is driving. If there is an emergency and you must use your phone, pull over before reaching for it. In fact, even turning your head to converse with a passenger or looking away to quickly adjust the radio is hazardous. Keeping your eyes on the road should be your sole focus at all times.

One of the most important aspects to consider when one is driving is being aware of one's surroundings. Before you start your vehicle, make sure that you are wearing your glasses/contacts, if applicable. There is a compartment, located in the middle of the interior roof of a typical car, specifically utilized to store one's glasses in [4]. In addition to making sure you are wearing your lenses, you should frequently clean your vehicle mirrors with high quality glass cleaner and a lint free cloth, as they are beneficial in allowing you to observe what is happening in your vehicle's vicinity [5].

When driving, there are many important traffic laws that one must observe, including but not limited to, keeping your seatbelt on at all times, staying within the speed limit, and following traffic signals. According to the severity of when and what laws are being violated, one may face penalties ranging from paying fines to the suspension of one's driver's license. To avoid facing these consequences and detrimental car collisions, always take precautions and obey driving principles - for you, for me, for us.

References: 

[1] https://newsroom.aaa.com/2019/10/number-of-licensed-teen-drivers-on-the-rise/ 

[2] https://createrealimpact.com/how-to-enter/ 

[3] https://sinasdramis.com/parents-talk-to-your-teens-about-distracted-driving/ 

[4] https://www.tuningblog.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Brillenetui-Dachhimmel-Brillenfach-Brillenhalter-4.jpg 

[5] https://www.autoblog.com/2015/11/19/what-is-the-best-way-to-clean-car-mirrors/