7 Ways Social Media Puts Teen Drivers at Risk
DoSomething member Hannah Messaye talks about social media distractions she’s seen and various safety strategies she prioritizes behind the wheel.
Hi, I’m Hannah! I’m 18 years-old, and as a DoSomething member, I want to help effect change in my community starting with an issue that as a new driver has me concerned. Using social media behind the wheel. Like texting, social media usage while driving is a BIG issue, especially among drivers my age. It’s a form of distracted driving that can lead to accidents on the road.
We all know that social media has become a key part of our daily lives, especially for our generation. In fact, according to Yale Medicine, in 2022, 95% of teens reported using social media platforms on a regular basis. I, of course, am a part of that 95%.
While these platforms can be super fun and a great way to stay connected, they can feel borderline addictive. With the increase of smartphones and technology, distracted driving plays a massive role in dangerous behaviors on the road. According to the National Conference of State Legislators, at any given moment during the day, there are more than 800,000 drivers who are using a handheld device while driving, and a study done by AT&T found that 7 out and 10 people admitted to actually using their smartphones while driving — that's 70%! That’s crazy!
Let’s dive into the type of social media distractions we may face behind the wheel and how to make sure we stay safe on the road and get to where we need to go!
Staying safe on the road should always be our number one priority. As teen drivers, we are new to the road and need as few dangerous distractions as possible.
Growing up, my mom used to always tell me that “a car is a weapon” and after learning that distracted driving is the reason why over 3,000 people lose their lives a year, I think it’s important for us to remember that no picture, message, or social media update is worth risking your life or the lives of others!
Join the #OfflineMode community and take the pledge today to commit to safer driving, unlock exclusive resources, and enter for a chance to win a $1,500 scholarship!
Hannah Messaye is a sophomore at Amherst College majoring in Political Science and Black Studies. She has been an advocate for mental health, and reproductive rights as well as, racial and gender equality, particularly amongst her peers.
Make a difference in your community and add your vision to the future of our democracy