Gas Parking

Everyone has felt that feeling where they cannot wait to learn how to drive and to get behind the wheel. Little do they know, driving causes a number of deaths every year. Teen drivers are involved in more car-related accidents than any other drivers. The minimum driving age should be raised from 16 to 18 because 16 year olds are more accident prone, 18 year olds are more experienced, and a 16 year old’s brain is not as developed as it is at 18 years old.

Maturity and rationalization is not yet achieved or experienced by teenagers. In the era of technology there are several distractions for drivers of any age to maneuver. Parents can play an educational role by enrolling their teen into a driver’s educational program. Some states require students to complete a comprehensive graduated drivers licensing (GDL) program prior to receiving their license. The brain function is still developing in teenagers and may impede the quick thinking process necessary to become a responsible driver. For the safety and welfare of teenagers the age requirement in Arizona for a driver’s license should be increased from 16 to 18 years of age.

You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Concentrate not only on what is happening in front of you, but also anticipate what may occur further on. You should always assume the worst; therefore constantly think of an escape route. Leave yourself an outlet. Surround your vehicle with space in front and at least on one side to escape any possible conflict. Also, think of possible situations which may arise. Such as, what if the car in front of you suddenly slams his brakes, what would or could you do? Being aware and anticipating possible occurrences will prepare you in making a split second decision.

Drivers can practice several safety tips to help them navigate the road more safely. First, use your cell phone for emergency situations only.  Pull over to the right shoulder to make the important call.  Next, limit the number of passengers in the car.  It is a good idea after a football game for a group of teenagers to drive around town texting and driving.  Driving with friends can create a dangerous driving situation because drivers are focused on their friends rather than on the road.  Finally, avoid eating while driving.  Food spills are a major cause of distraction.  Pick up a big Mac and fries on your way home and eat it while you navigate the heavy traffic.  Finding the extra fries in the bottom of the bag will taste good as you rear end the car stopping suddenly in front of you.

In 2013, more than 2,500 teenagers died in the United States from motor vehicle crash injuries. Such injuries are by far the leading public health problem for young people 13-19 years old (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety [IIHS], 2014). Drivers are not the only ones at risk. Teenagers who are passengers in others vehicles make up a startling 87% of the fatality statistic. Lack of driving experience, disregard for traffic laws, and quick access to full driving privileges contribute to teen death. To reduce teen driving fatalities, successful completion of driver education classes provided by public and private schools should be mandatory for all teenagers prior to receiving their driving permit.

Driving has never been one of my strong suits. Since obtaining my license in February there have been multiple incidences where I have almost been in a wreck. People like me should not be trusted behind the wheel. Many people think driving a car is just another effortless part of everyday life. When someone like me gets behind the wheel however, things get complicated.

The term “driver” can be applied to just about anyone that is behind the wheel of an automobile. Driving is a task that many people take part in on a daily basis. After driving for a while, one can start to discover the several types of drivers that exists. There are many drivers that can be encountered on the road and their different behaviors help place them into classifications. Three common types of drivers are “Oblivious Drivers,” “Unsure Drivers,” and “Ideal Drivers.”

While not all crashes are preventable, practicing defensive, cautious driving may help. This includes staying away from distractions, which may divert drivers’ attentions from their primary task of driving, while behind the wheel. Furthermore, drivers should watch out for the vehicles they are sharing the roads with. If other motorists are driving erratically or unsafely, it is generally best for drivers to move into another lane, or allow them to pass.

One of the biggest rites of passages in the United States at the age of 16 is obtaining a driver’s license. The freedom to roam the open road and explore the world around you in most cases is a joyous occasion. At 16, a young inexperienced driver is constantly conveyed that driving is a privilege and one must use caution or that privilege will be taken away. However, over the past few years one of the growing problems in United States not only affects young drivers but drivers of all ages. Distracted driving is a growing problem in the United States that affects not only people of all ages but race, and gender as well.

Never use a cell phone while driving, texting while driving makes you take your eyes off the road and you could switch lanes and not even know it until you hit another car. You should never drink and drive. If a car is wanting to pass you then let it pass you, do not try to speed up because that can cause danger to you and other cars around you. Headlights are another part of road safety. Headlights should be used when the weather is bad, because dense fog, heavy snow, or heavy rain can prevent you from seeing where you are going and others from seeing your car. Headlights at night are also invaluable because other cars can tell where you are. Always adjust your mirrors so that you can see everything around you. Never pass a car in a no passing zone, the lines are there for a reason. Do not swerve around the road back and forth to miss potholes because, a police man may think you are a drunk driver and will pull you over. Never pass a school bus, even it is in motion it is still against the law to pass a school bus. Check your blind side before switching in to a different lane and then turn on your turn signal if nothing is coming. When passing a semi truck, make sure to leave enough room before you get in

As teenagers are leaving their homes, cities, and in many cases, states, to attend colleges, driving has become an integral part in a teen’s life. However, many states are putting heavy restrictions on teen drivers to keep not only them safe, but the rest of the community as well. But that has not been enough- teen drivers still are a major problem on the road due partly to their lack of mental development. This has pushed some states to consider raising minimum driving age, eliminating the whole problem of inexperience in drivers. The minimum age should not raised, however, because it will not help the issue of road safety.

First, understand your own strengths and weaknesses so you can be ready to clearly explain proper driving techniques to your teen. Avoid simply waiting until your teen is driving to lecture them on what they are doing right or wrong. Second, establish ground rules with clear expectations, limitations and consequences. If necessary, write up a driving contact that explains all the necessary details. Third, agree upon a set time and route for driving. Ideally you can drive in an unpopulated area with minimal traffic and enjoy the time

It is important to try to stop this issue from the source before teens start to drive by themselves. According to Huffington Post, one in five United States teens never took any form of driver’s education courses before getting their licenses. While going to driver’s education isn’t mandatory in all states, it can still help improve teens driving, says Road Safety Authority. Also, while at driver’s education teens can learn new techniques such as defensive driving from a professional. Making driver’s education mandatory in all states can help teens be safe and skilled drivers. Not only does every state need to make this mandatory, but driver’s education courses need to be made free.

Teens need to be taught that driving is a task that is complex and demanding. Parents know how much experience a young driver has, and they know exactly how inconvenient it is when they have to drive with their teen everywhere while they have their permit. Teens tend to cause most traffic accidents in adults’ eyes. They are not experienced yet, and often fail to pay attention to others on the road. They often think of a car as being some type of toy, but they do not know how powerful it really is. The driver education programs must be strengthened in order to make sure that students really have safer habits, behind the wheel experience, and by having a better understanding of all the laws on the road.

Traffic laws are designed to protect you and other drivers on the road. If we do not follow them we are not only putting ourselves at risk but also innocent bystanders and drivers. By knowing the rules of the road, practicing good driving skills and generally taking care as a road user, you help play a vital role in preventing a crash. You will also be making road safety policies more effective. Many factors play a role in road safety including following the speed limits that are posted and making sure safety equipment is properly installed and used. I will also discuss the skills that are expected and needed to be an efficient driver including the ability to act responsibly, the ability to