In today’s society, teenagers are exposed to many dangers such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs. These substances all have the potential to damage physical and/or mental health and even cause death.  Although drugs can undoubtedly cause serious harm, there is a far more serious danger to teens.  The number one killer of teenagers in the U.S.; car accidents.  Every year 4,000 American teens die in car accidents, most of which are a result of aggressive or distracted driving.

Speeding tickets can cost hundreds of dollars and lead to license suspensions, but that is not the only reason to refrain from speeding. According to http://www.keepthedrive.com, “nearly 40% of all fatal teen crashes are caused by speeding” and “87% of teens admit to speeding”.  Speeding greatly increases the chances of a fatal accident. Going the speed limit greatly reduces the chance of an accident and creates a safer roadway for all.

Another reason why teens are involved in so many accidents is because of distracted driving.  On http://www.distraction.gov/, distracted driving is defined as “any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving”.  We all know the main distraction for teens behind the wheel: the infamous cell phone.  Other distractions to drivers include: eating, drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, using a navigation system, and adjusting the radio.  Texting while driving is however the most dangerous distraction as it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention. Text messaging while driving increases the risk of an accident an astounding 23 times according to the US Department of Transportation.

Society is starting to recognize the true dangers of aggressive and distracted driving.  Last year, 4,000 Audi and Volkswagen employees signed a banner pledging not to text behind the wheel.  This company has taken the right step in leading America down a safer road, literally.  The government is even catching on too!  On November 9^th, 2011, Pa. Gov. Tom Corbett  signed the texting while driving ban, making Pennsylvania the 31^st state to enact the ban.  It specifically bans the use of a texting capable device while driving a vehicle.  This law will take effect on March 8^th, and, if violated, a $50 fine will be given.  However, this law does not apply to talking on cell phones.  It is a great start to making the roads safer, but it must be reinforced by stronger teen driving laws.  Teenagers get into more car accidents than any other age group, and stronger laws would ultimately reduce accidents and save lives.

The purpose of this article is to spread awareness of this preventable cause of death among teenagers.

Want more?

• http://www.keepthedrive.com/
• http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
• http://www.allstatefoundation.org/