When you get your first car, you likely aren’t thinking about the ramifications of distracted or reckless driving. However, you should be. Everyones heard the statistics of texting and driving and the stories of the devastating effects car accidents can hold. These stories are even more common than you might think.

Junior Sophia Mulis stated that she has “curbed more times than [she] can count”. This is a minor driving transgression, but a frequent one. This can cause issues with your car’s alignment which can be costly to fix and lead to further problems with your tires. 

Junior Gabi Bakker stated that she “just barely rear ended someone”. A minor accident can not only cause long term damage to your car’s body, but also your own. Some damage you may not even know about till later in life. Whiplash is a common occurrence with what may seem like the most basic accident. It can take days, weeks or even months for the side effects to appear.  If this is the case, you will soon have a very close relationship with a local chiropractor. Accidents also cause lasting increases in insurance. A ticket, or accident can cause big increases for already pricey insurance for teenagers.  

Distractions are the primary reason behind accidents among young people. And this goes for more than just cell phones. An email recently sent out by AAA stated that two or more passengers in a car with a teen driver, tripled the chance of a fatal accident. The more people in a vehicle, the more distracted the teen driver will be. While texting is one of the most common distractions, icking out music or getting a playlist going is just as dangerous. Even eating and drinking while driving can cause an accident if you aren’t careful.

Drivers need to keep one thing on their mind when they are driving; driving.  Especially as new drivers, your number one priority should be the road and staying aware of your surroundings.