The article titled “Teen Driving” addresses the high number of car accident fatalities among teenagers. Despite comprising less than 7% of drivers in America, teenagers account for 14% of driving-related deaths (pg.1). This poses a significant risk to young individuals, especially those who have recently obtained their driver’s license. The article further asserts that even in states with programs intended to gradually introduce young drivers to the road, many teenagers receive their licenses without sufficient preparation (pg.4). They are allowed to start driving before obtaining adequate instruction and practice. As a result, these inexperienced drivers not only endanger themselves but also pose a threat to others on the road. Research indicates that adolescents’ driving behavior can be influenced by both passengers and distractions while driving, causing them to overlook potential dangers.
In their article “Peers Influence Risky Teen Driving,” Allen Joseph and Bradford Brown discuss how teenagers, their peers, and motor vehicles can contribute to poor decision-making. Research has demonstrated that when teenage drivers have companions who are also teenagers, the rates of crashes and fatalities increase significantly. When teenagers drive with their friends, they tend to speed and take more risks. Furthermore, peer passengers can be distracting for drivers as they engage in conversations or other activities that divert attention from driving. Nevertheless, Joseph P. and Bradford Brown also note that peers can positively impact teenage drivers by modeling positive behaviors and offering positive reinforcement. For instance, peers may make supportive remarks about a teen’s safe driving or warn about the perils of reckless and distracted driving to protect one another. These favorable influences play a role in promoting safe driving habits among teenagers.
In their article titled “Teens and Distracted Driving,” Madden, Mary, and Amanda Lenhart present findings from a survey on teen distractions while driving. The survey reveals that a significant number of teens openly admit to texting or talking while operating a vehicle (pg.1). Currently, many adolescents easily become distracted, especially when utilizing their mobile phones. Statistics discussed in the same article indicate that 75% of American teens aged 12-17 possess a cell phone, with 66% using it primarily for texting purposes (pg.1). Various actions fall under the category of distracted driving, such as eating, applying makeup, and sending texts; nevertheless, cell phone utilization has emerged as the main concern concerning teenage drivers. Texting while driving has become an area of focus for law enforcement officers and policymakers due to its prevalence among both teenagers and adults who engage in this activity even while driving. To prevent accidents resulting from distracted driving incidents, motorists should consider investing in hands-free devices and Bluetooth technology which enable them to maintain focus on the road ahead and avoid collisions.
Teenagers, specifically, frequently underestimate their capacity to multitask while driving and ignore the associated dangers. This conduct is influenced by immaturity as they commonly participate in recklessness such as speeding and tailgating. Furthermore, when accompanied by passengers, they tend to drive at higher speeds and take more risks without fully considering the consequences. Moreover, teenagers often lack awareness of the responsibilities and hazards connected with driving, regularly acting impulsively without thoughtful consideration of their actions on the road.
The prevalence of cell phone usage, particularly texting while operating a vehicle, poses a significant danger to teenage drivers. This concern has garnered the interest of both society and researchers, highlighting the urgent necessity for public education regarding the substantial risks associated with using cell phones while driving. It is essential to recognize that while negative peer influences can impact teenagers, positive peer influences can also assume a crucial role in advocating for safe driving practices. Ultimately, it falls upon teenagers themselves to actively take measures in safeguarding their own well-being as well as that of other motorists.
