As more and more of us youths take to the roads, one thing we tend to disregard is the threat we pose to ourselves and others when it comes to distracted driving. Distracted driving could be defined as "any activity that diverts attention from driving" (NHTSA). These activities include texting, talking (using your phone unsafely), eating, drinking, playing music too loud, or investing too much time in conversation with a passenger. While these may sound like everyday things that you might do on the road, it's reported that these cases of distracted driving have killed over 3,000 people in 2019 alone (as reported by NHTSA).

These lives include those of the driver, passengers, and helpless pedestrians that unfortunately got caught in the crossfire. With this in mind, some peers and I are taking to address our new-and-upcoming drivers and urging them to pledge to follow safer guidelines during their time on the road. The guidelines go as follow:

- NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING 

- Minimize conversations with passengers on the road (put phone on do not disturb if possible)

- Hands on the wheel at all times

- Keep music at a level where outside noises like horns and voices can be heard easily

- DO NOT go over the speed limit! 

- Wait till reaching your destination to eat or drink (no alcohol or drugs of course)

- Look in all directions at intersections + be wary of pedestrians and other drivers

- Be willing to take an Uber or taxi if you feel that you cannot drive to your best ability. It could save lives!

- FOLLOW THE LAW

While these guidelines may seem like we're beating a dead horse, playing your part against being a reckless driver could help countless people, even those you hold dear. Let's work to keeping roads safe and DEFEAT DISTRACTED DRIVING!