In light of a recent car crash involving some of Heavener’s high school students, it seems wise to spread some awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Many teenage lives are lost every year due to distracted driving. As we all know, cellphones are a hindrance not only to the activities of daily life, but also while driving. People often feel the urge to send a text, email, etcetera while operating a vehicle because they cannot wait. Everyone needs a daily reminder that a text can wait; it may be a matter of life and death, and no one needs to tempt fate.

While texting is not the only risky task to do while driving, it remains one of the greatest factors that cause accidents involving teenagers. According to Millerandzois.com, “Using a cell phone while driving caused an estimated 1.5 million car accidents in the U.S. in 2018. Texting while driving is a contributing cause in 25% of all car accidents.” And on top of this, a teenager is twice as likely to wreck while texting than those over the age of twenty. This is scary to think about and should make everyone pause and think about their decision to text and drive.

It is important for everyone to be cautious of others, and especially oneself, while on the road. Anything can happen in an instant, so it is essential for people to be extremely aware of what is going on. Many people already know the risks but partake in them anyway, not caring or worrying enough about the consequences. This does not need to happen. More people need to take the awareness seriously. After all, one may end up not only saving one’s own life, but others as well.