By: Joyce S.
While distracted driving is a growing problem amongst all age
groups, teens seem to be especially susceptible to this threat. For example,
according to the DMV’s official website, “16-year-olds have higher crash rates than
drivers of any other age.” One of the reasons behind this is the growing issue
of texting while driving. Sadly, this issue is only getting worse, and as
TeenSafe.org reports, “Each day, 11 teens die as a result of texting and
driving.” How many deaths could be prevented every single day if people stopped
committing the crime that makes us twenty-three times more likely to
crash? Yes, I said crime. In Georgia, as of July 1st, 2018 it is illegal
to have a phone touching any part of your body while driving, save for
emergency situations.
On the other hand the hands-free
option on your device is still legal. Even though it is not outlawed,
hands-free texting can still be detrimental to your driving ability due to the
fact that it still splits your attention between the road and your phone. The
hands-free option is significantly less dangerous than physically holding your
phone, but it should still be exercised with caution.
One
of the other catalysts of distracted driving accidents is teens driving other teens
- despite the fact that a minor is prohibited from driving anyone other than
family for the first six months they have their license they (Joshua’s Law).
Most teenagers don’t abide by this law even though it can have seriously
negative effects. It has been scientifically proven that a teen’s likelihood of
crashing increases with every extra passenger in the car. This, combined with
the fact the teens are more prone to speeding, more susceptible to peer
pressure, and less likely to wear a seatbelt than other age group, makes
breaking Joshua’s Law more dangerous than most teens realize. There’s a reason
why it was passed in the first place, and if young drivers choose to ignore it,
there could be grave consequences for everyone involved.
As
previously stated, teens die every single day as a result of distracted
driving, and the most crushing reality of this is that distracted driving is
completely preventable. When on the road, make sure to pay attention for your
safety and the safety of others, especially if you have passengers in the car.
Think twice before you break Joshua’s Law, even if it’s you in the passenger
seat, and make sure to only ride with friends that know that they have your
life in their hands. Teen driving campaigns have done all that they can with
in-school promotions and ads on TV. Now, it’s up to us to save ourselves.
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