Statistics have shown that teenagers between the ages of sixteen and nineteen have the highest risk of getting into a car accident. This is due in large part to various distractions, such as drugs or alcohol, friends, and cell phones. Many people do not understand the dangers of allowing such disturbances to take hold of their attention while driving. Teenagers make up the majority of the people who do not realize this.

It is widely known that teenagers are liable to experiment with mind-altering substances such as drugs and alcohol. The use of such techniques to modify their feelings and behavior are often fatal when combined with operating a vehicle. Their driving may become impulsive and they may make decisions that they would otherwise not have made.

Having friends in the car may also influence their decision-making. It is easy to get carried away when one is amongst their peers. They may play their music loudly and joke or talk with their friends rather than pay attention to the road. This can lead to serious injuries if due attention is not paid to their driving.

Technology has a major influence on the distractions that today’s youth faces. While internet capabilities on one’s cell phone may be useful for business people or anyone who can appreciate its convenience, they also add a potential threat whilst driving. If someone finds that their next email is more important than the car in front of them, they may not notice a sudden stop or someone trying to pass them. 

The same can be said for text messages or phone calls. Unless a state has a specific law against it, it is common to see people talking on cell phones while they are driving. The new trend is texting while at the wheel. This has the double hazard of the act itself and its potential effect on the driver’s mood. Any number of these diversions may affect those other than teenagers. However, teens are often most at risk because of their lack of realization that their actions really are a matter of life and death.