Speed Kills

With the excitement of cars being a new part of our lives as high schoolers, the dangers of driving can sometimes slip from our minds. Back-up cameras, blind-spot detectors, and automatic brakes make driving even more convenient. All of these handy gadgets were put in the car to limit the worry a driver can have about crashing or other minor accidents. However, students must understand the dangers of driving a car, especially when leaving school. Leaving school at 2:28 is a hassle, and almost every student is trying to get out of school as soon as possible… all at the same time. What kids need to understand is the patience it takes, and the possibility of saving another’s life. With everyone trying to get out of the school in time, people are cutting others off, honking their horns, and driving way too fast in a student/pedestrian area. These actions were taken by students at Kingsway and increased the chance of an accident to another car or even pedestrian. Teenagers especially are prone to feel like they are invincible to dangers on the road, but this naivete could lead to a potential crash. In 2021, an estimated 20,160 people died in car crashes in just the first half of the year. This number is up 18% from 2020 and only accounts for the first half of 2021. 

Car Mechanics

Cars are equipped with many safety features to prevent severe injuries from happening to the driver and the passengers seated in the car. However, not listening to the rules of the road could also put your lives at risk. Many people going home from school like to play music very loud in their cars, sometimes not using the seatbelt, and use their phone sometimes behind the wheel. These habits can be distracting and cause the driver to lose focus. Even if the driver looks  at something for a second, they will lose focus of the road, guaranteed. It is understood that all of the kids who are driving have taken driver’s education, but applying these principles is vital to successful, safe driving. Some students currently enrolled in driver’s education do not have the correct focus or attentive skills to learn all of the techniques used to prevent dangerous activities and crashes. Some ideas that are taught in driver’s education are sometimes unnecessary or already understood, but understanding the basics of driving a car can also lead to better driving skills and more confidence. 

Driving Under the Influence

Lately, several car crashes have been lethal in this area and in the United States. Take, for example, an American NFL player, Henry Ruggs III. Henry Ruggs had a blessed life with playing in the NFL, having a supportive family, and making a lot of money for himself and his family. However, after driving under the influence, he was putting himself and anyone else in danger of a lethal car accident. Ruggs crashed into a civilian car at unthinkable speeds of up to 156 mph at 2 a.m on Nov 3. He crashed into the backside of a woman’s car, setting the gas tank on fire. The woman and the dog who were in that car had tragically passed away, but Ruggs was injured and alive. He was sentenced to at least 20 years in prison for driving under the influence and charged with first-degree vehicular manslaughter. 

The Importance of Looking out the Window

Our generation had been plagued with the emergence of handheld devices and technology. In school, at home, and even in the car, students’ eyes are glued onto the phone. Apps such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more deprive kids of the personal bonding experience they such be having. However, what does this have to do with cars? Well, first off,  keeping the driver awake and focused is one thing that is greatly appreciated. Keeping the driver mentally aware of different scenarios on the road can prevent accidents from happening. Being the driver can get lonely and boring sometimes, so as the passenger, use this time to talk to your friends and siblings while you can because soon enough, they will be off to college. The second reason is to get a better understanding of the road as a passenger. Looking on your phone can prevent the growth of understanding a driver’s movement, turns, and techniques used. If a passenger under the age of 16 is watching a driver, it can also get them more prepared for when they start driving soon. Also, knowing where different roads are located without the use of a GPS is always a good practice, and can lead to less distracted driving.