Getting a driver’s license is a big step in every teenagers life. However, it can also be a dangerous one. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in teenagers ages 15-20 according to riima.org.
Crashing a vehicle can not only put a hole in a teenager’s bank account, but it can also endanger their lives. In addition, it could potentially hurt the student’s ability to learn in a classroom setting. Many car accidents, even if minor, can result in head trauma or even a concussion. A clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics stated:
“Following a concussion, it is common for children and adolescents to experience difficulties in the school setting. Cognitive difficulties, such as learning new tasks or remembering previously learned material, may pose challenges in the classroom. The school environment may also increase symptoms with exposure to bright lights and screens or noisy cafeterias and hallways.”
In the 2014-2015 school year, car accidents have been fairly prevalent at North Harford. Senior Jenna Damron was in a car accident in December right before the holidays.
“It looked clear both ways, but I guess it wasn’t,” said Damron. “The guy t-boned me on my driver’s side door.”
The accident gave Damron a concussion that placed her in home and hospital teaching for three months, not to mention, her car was totaled.
Another accident happened outside of North Harford right  next-door in front of restaurant “Eats and Sweets” about a month ago.  According to Alec Presley, a senior who was involved in the accident claims the accident damaged three different cars, two of which were totaled and all three cars had a NH student behind the wheel. Junior Andrew Sheroke suffered a broken nose and numerous other people in his car were also injured. Elise Jacobson was the only driver whose car remained intact.
An essential way to practice safe driving is to abide by the law concerning the use of phones while driving.  The CDC reports that inexperienced drivers under the age of 20 are at the highest risk for distraction-related fatal crashes. A survey of 100 student drivers here at North Harford concluded that 70% of teens will admit to texting and driving and 20% of them say they text while driving often.