Dani Birky
Student Intern
Driving: it’s a privilege that many of today’s teenagers earn. They go to the DMV, answer some questions, take one of the adults for a drive, and at the end hopefully get their picture taken and receive their license.
I know, as a young teen driver myself, about the excitement and thrill of earning that laminated card that gives us teens freedom to hit the roads. However, is this privilege taken for granted? Is it taken too lightly? Do teenagers understand the immense responsibility that goes with this privilege?
I received some disturbing information from State Farm Insurance Company about teenage drivers. I was told that drivers who are 16 have a higher per-mile crash rate than any other group of drivers.
Also, 16-year-olds are involved in 44% of fatal crashes in one-car accidents, as compared to drivers over 20 years old who are involved in 29% of fatal crashes in one car accidents.
These statistics are 10 years old so the numbers may not be completely accurate. However, the facts point to 16-year-old teenagers as being the most dangerous drivers.
To get an adult’s view of teen drivers, I interviewed Sweet Home High School’s own auto technology teacher, Mr. Dustin Nichol.
The New Era: How do you view teen driving/ drivers?
Mr. Nichol: “I think that the teen drivers today have the same driving capabilities, as far as keeping the vehicle between the white and yellow lines, as the teen drivers from my generation. The major problem is that drivers today have many more distractions. I heard on the radio that cell phones, eating, talking to friends, and changing their CDs are some of the more common causes of teen accidents.”
The New Era: Do you think teens need to improve on their driving skills? If so, why?
Mr. Nichol: “Yes, I think that teens need to improve on their driving skills. The reason for this is that the population increases each year which means more vehicles are on the road. In the 1990s to the present, it is common for families to have a car for every person in the family.”
The New Era: What is some advice you would give teens about their driving?
Mr. Nichol: “My advice would be to get as much experience as they could before getting their license. Go to grandpa’s field with dad or Uncle Charlie’s old beater and have a ball. Kick the thing sideways, practice parking between two rocks, spin out, learn how to handle the vehicle in a controlled chaotic situation. This will better prepare you to know the limitations of a car or truck. Also, learn the rules of the road and never forget the BASIC RULE OF DRIVING. Drive to the conditions of the road.”
Mr. Nichol put out well thought responses that could be very helpful to teen drivers.
Next, I interviewed Mrs. Ann Knight, a math teacher at Sweet Home High School on her opinions of aspiring teen drivers.
The New Era: How do you view teen driving?
Mrs. Knight: “I think it is necessary, but dangerous.”
The New Era: Do you believe peer pressure has a positive or negative impact on teen drivers? Please explain your answer.
Mrs. Knight: “Both…some kids encourage others to drive fast, while others encourage each other to buckle up.”
The New Era: What areas could teenagers improve on in their driving?
Mrs. Knight: “I think the main one would be driving the speed limit.”
From the adult view, teenagers definitely have room for improvement in their driving skills. However, in any age group, the driver has the responsibility and duty to be careful, and precalculate the choices they make on the road.
One major thing that can affect teenage drivers is peer pressure: pressure to give your friends a ride home even when your six months aren’t filled or pressure to show off by burning out in the parking lot.
Driving is not something to take lightly; it is a serious privilege that deserves to be taken seriously. Be alert on the road; follow its rules and regulations. Don’t give in to the pressures you face. Be a responsible driver.