A lethal combination

Traffic fatalities are the number one killer of young people in America. Often, it is the little mistakes that ultimately cause someone to lose their life.

Whether it be texting, loud music, stress or just inexperience, teenagers and young adults are more likely to die in vehicular accidents than any other age group.

Many lawmakers throughout the country are trying to take action on this issue.

Many laws prohibit the use of cell phones while driving in some states. The state of Florida is considering passing a similar law that would prohibit talking or texting on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.

Lawmakers are making the issue of vehicular related deaths a more serious thought, and are currently trying to come up with ways to minimize such risks. One idea is to raise the age in which a teenager receives his or her permit and license.

In the past two years, roughly 20 high school and college age students died on Marion County roads. Many were a direct cause of inexperience and high speed, while others were from alcohol. Still some were just unfortunate events that could not have been avoided.

By simply paying more attention to the road, young people can avoid swerving into other lanes, running up on curbs, and avoid losing control of his or her vehicle. It only takes one mistake to cause life long consequences.

Statistics show that when a young driver is behind the wheel, and the passengers are all around the same age, the driver is more likely to be involved in a collision. Ways to avoid such a fiasco is to minimize the number of teens in the car, or have an adult drive.

Loud music is another threat to safety while on the roads. When music is played loudly, the driver cannot hear oncoming traffic noises. Sometimes the driver can even mistake an emergency siren as a beat in the music and collide with the emergency vehicle.

When an inexperienced driver is placed in tricky situations, more than likely he or she will make mistakes. It is best to allow young drivers to gain experience through driver's education courses and by allowing them to drive as much as possible with adult supervision.

By driving at high speeds, young drivers put themselves at risk of not only killing themselves, but others on the road as well.

When teenagers receive a license, his or her parents tell them to watch other drivers on the road. This statement will be forever said to "scare" young drivers into driving more cautiously.

It is unfortunate that teens and young adults are more likely to die on the roads than any other age group. By following the simple steps mentioned, drivers of all ages should be able to get from place to place safely and still be able to enjoy the ride.