PIRATE PRESS othspiratepress.com
February 2022
Vol. 8, Issue 3
Let Us Drive Safer Junior Emmalee Hill
Do you think you’re exempt from the 21 percent? According to edgarsnyder.com “21 percent of teen drivers involved in fatal accidents were distracted by their cell phone.” While 94 percent of teenage drivers acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving, only 35 percent admitted to doing it anyway. About 400 fatal crashes happen each year as a direct result of texting and driving. That number increases to over 30,000 when you consider distracted driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “By far the biggest issue we have is seeing people on their phone texting while driving,” driving instructor Brent Moore said.
But being distracted by cell phones is not the only thing we should try to avoid. Most crashes happen at crossroads and highways. Especially in this type of weather, people forget that there are specific rules you must follow. Coming to a complete stop is important to begin with, but in snow, sleet and rain, it is exceptionally difficult to do so. Always remember to send your texts before you leave or wait until you get there. Your phone is the main distraction that could put your life in danger along with others
Teens are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than any other age group, as reflected in this graph from 2021. Photo Courtesy of https://bmwlawgroup.com.