Safe Driver

Despite news articles, billboards, social media ads warning people of the dangers of texting and driving, motorists continue to use their cell phones while behind the wheel. The first years that teenagers spend driving are very risky. While getting a driver’s license is an exciting rite-of-passage for teens. However, it can make a parent frantic and rightfully so because teen drivers have a higher rate of crashes, mainly because of lack of experience. This issue is very important to me because it affects my generation primarily. The most number of fatal crashes that occur due to distracted driving affect teen drivers more than any other age group.

I have thought about ways to reduce dangerous driving habits. One of the things that I found helpful was attending Driving School. This is a five-week training program that new drivers like myself take to learn safe driving techniques. Taking a course in driver’s education will definitely help reduce deadly habits. The course is interactive and engaging. By taking a driver’s education class teens can learn local driving laws, ask questions about tough scenarios they might encounter while driving. I found it most helpful; it prepared me for the written and physical driving test. When teens take a driver’s education course they learn about the dangers of driving while texting or being on social media. After hours of practice driving, you can see how a person wouldn’t be able to text and drive safely at the same time.

Cell Phones have become a part of everyday life. For many teens like myself, we live on our phones. I believe if teen drivers would put their devices away when they are driving. They can put them in their backpacks or in the glove compartment of their car. This would prohibit text-based activities while driving, including texting, emailing, or getting on social media.

Another way to reduce texting and driving is to put your cell phone on do not disturb. Most phones have a do not disturb feature. If you set your phone to “Turn Off While Driving”, your phone will automatically enter “Do Not Disturb While Driving” (DNDWD) mode. Most phones can detect when you are driving. Once your phone is in DNDNWD your screen will remain dark, blocking all notifications and app use. This will undoubtedly lead to fewer crashes.

Lastly, what I would think would be the most radical of all approaches is completely disable cell phones totally while driving. Cell Phone companies could develop sensors that could determine if a teen is driving. Applications can be set to disable the phone unlock screen and block incoming and outgoing text messaging and calls similar to DNDWD. This involves the installation of a device in the car that pairs with a smartphone application via Bluetooth technology.

In order to minimize distraction while driving, there are many precautions that can be taken before a driver steps into a vehicle. Using some of these proven personal strategies will help reduce dangerous habits such as texting, social media use, and/or checking emails. The most effective and long-lasting solution to distracted driving is for drivers to personally take responsibility for their actions.