10 Driving Dangers For Teens & College Students
Written by: Natalie K. Pinkney
Every generation of new drivers faces new challenges and the teens of today are no different. Even though every driver is different, here are some of the biggest dangers for teen drivers, as well as tips to stay safe…
Texting While Driving: This problem has most recently come to the forefront because of the increased use of cell phones and texting by the American population. Texting takes your eyes completely off the road and at least one hand off the wheel. Because teens may not have the best defensive driving skills, this proves to be one of the biggest dangers.
Safety Belts: 63% of people killed in accidents are not wearing seatbelts. Young people are the least likely to buckle up simply because they don’t think it could happen to them.
Distracting Passengers: Teens, in an attempt to “show off” for friends, often let their friends distract them while driving. Most states now have laws enforcing limits on the number of passengers a teen may have in their car. Peers can often pressure teens into driving faster or in a more unsafe manner.
63% of people killed in accidents are not wearing seatbelts. Young people are the least likely to buckle up simply because they don’t think it could happen to them.
Radio/MP3 Players: Of course everyone loves to listen to the radio while driving, but because of the inexperienced nature of the driving teen, they feel the need to blast the radio. Not only does changing the station take your eyes off the road, but the loud music can distract you from hearing sirens from emergency vehicles or a horn from another car.
Emotional/School Issues: It doesn’t sound like an issue, but according to State Farm Insurance, “About 75 percent of teens said they see peers driving while tired or struggling with powerful emotions, such as worries about grades or relationships.”
Eating and Driving: Trying to balance fries in your lap and a sandwich in your hand, all while attempting to drive is another teen danger. It’s very difficult to give the proper attention to driving while trying to eat and not spill food at the same time.
Preening while on the road: Multi-tasking can save time in other situations, but while on the road it is a set-up for danger. Putting on makeup or brushing hair is also a big distraction for teens.
Looking for Directions: Once again, this is another situation where the teen is distracted and their focus is not on driving. Trying to reprogram the GPS or reading directions printed from the internet has shown in all age groups, but especially teens, to cause accidents.
“About 75 percent of teens said they see peers driving while tired or struggling with powerful emotions, such
as worries about grades or relationships.” -State Farm Insurance
Drinking and Driving: Many times teens may be out with friends in a situation where they should not be drinking at all. They may not know how drunk they actually are and get behind the wheel anyway.
Driving in Packs: Sometimes, when all heading to one destination, teens will drive a caravan of vehicles. While this is not dangerous, it is the dangerous behavior (checking blind spots, speeding, “bumping”, etc.) that can cause accidents.
All-Around Inexperience: According to statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, almost all teen accidents are caused by inexperience and juvenile behavior (i.e. tailgating, speeding, etc.). Throwing all other factors into the mix is going to make for a dangerous combination.
As many young drivers continue to discover each year, driving is something that requires your complete attention. Not only do you not want to put yourself in danger now, you don’t want to form bad habits that may be difficult to break later on. Always remember to put your life and safety ahead of any distractions.
***Sources:
www.teendriving.com
www.iihs.com
www.statefarm.com
