SHAQUAVIA HARDY: Teen to teen
For many teenagers in the town of Crestview, the age of 16 involves a certain rite of passage.
When teenagers turn 16, they head to the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles and test for their license. What some do not realize when they get behind the wheel of a car is the tremendous amount responsibility they become entitled to.
As the number one cause of teenage death in America, vehicular homicide remains a pressing issue nationwide. According to Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the crash rate for teens is 399 out of every 10,000 drivers; which is twice as high as their parents and four times as high as their grandparents.
Reasons for this high rate of crashes vary. Distractions that can contribute to wreaks include activities such as talking on a cell phone, eating, texting, and applying make-up.
The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles also released a study that indicated an increase in car accidents related to texting. As the generation that triggered these statistics, it is imperative that teenagers stay informed on the dangers of texting and driving.
Having a first-hand account of the dangers of vehicle crashes definitely gives a person a different outlook on driving and motor-vehicle safety.
“Driving is very serious…you not only have to watch the people in front of you, but also the people on your sides and behind you,” said Nancy Ward who was rear-ended in Crestview in early 2008 and is a mom of two teenage drivers. “It really was scary when my kids first started driving. I was a nervous wreck.”
Although parents and guardians are not able to physically be aware their teen’s driving habits, they are taking measures to regulate their driving activities. One of the precautions encouraged by the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles is a Parent/Teen Driving Contract: a document that lists regulations expected of the licensed teen.
Should the contract be violated, the teen simply loses driving privileges. This method helps both the parent and the teen make informed decisions about driving.
With age comes new experiences and responsibilities. Parents should consider whether a teen is mentally mature and capable to drive before taking him or her to the Department of Motor Vehicles. By ensuring the abilities of the teen, along with other precautionary methods such as the Parent/Teen Driving Contract, the teens of Crestview can stay informed; keeping the roads safe and themselves even safer.
Shaquavia Hardy is an intern with the Crestview News Bulletin.
