Teen Driving and How Scary It Can Be
In America, the leading cause of death among teens is motor vehicle accidents. About 6 teens die every day in a car and even more are injured. Without the practice of safe driving, letting a teenager on the road can be fatal.
In February of 2016, two of Licking Valley’s high school students were in a car accident that could’ve killed them both. Luckily, they were both okay, but here is one of the student’s outlook on the accident.
Interviewer: What was it like being in a car accident for the first time?
Student: It was a very scary experience, especially since it was the very first accident I've ever been in. Also, the fear of losing my life in the car accident isn't something that I want to have thoughts about at this age.
Interviewer: Did it scare you being in a car with a new driver?
Student: No, it really wasn't scary being with a new driver because I never thought something like being in an accident was something that I was going to experience, at least not until I was older.
Interviewer: Since the accident, does it scare you to get back in the car with the driver?
Student: No, it really doesn't scare me to get back in the car with the driver because I don't fear the way the driver performs on the road; it's the fact that I could be in an accident at any time.
Interviewer: Do you think this experience will change your mindset about driving once you get your license?
Student: Yes, it definitely will change my mindset. I will be more cautious on the road and always be sure to follow all the rules of the road.
Interviewer: Did this experience affect you in any other ways? (Fears, etc.)
Student: Yes, sometimes I have nightmares of the accidents and when I'm in the car, I have flashbacks of the few seconds before the truck hit us.
Even when the driver is taking all precautions, accidents like this can happen. So, whenever a teen driver does not follow the rules of the road, it just makes it that much more likely that they may get into an accident that could have been prevented.
