HIGH SCHOOL: a time in a teenager’s life where they learn how to drive. Many teens look forward to leaving the nest, and the easiest and probably quickest way to do it is by getting a driver’s license. Although they get their license, they aren’t always safe. Teens tend to get into car accidents more frequently than any other ages due to their irresponsibility and their adrenaline rush while driving.

Utah especially can be a dangerous place to drive during the winter due the ice and snow conditions on the roads. Although most accidents are caused by poor decisions. Driving requires very fast decision making and the failure to do so can lead to an accident.

“When I was 7, we were going to the gas station to get my mom a drink. We were taking a left at an intersection and the other car was going too fast — it couldn’t stop in time, and it hit us,” Angelia Naeata (11) said. Naeata’s brother was in the car at the time of the crash, and after the impact he went into shock. He was rushed to the hospital to make sure everything was fine, but nothing serious had happened. 

Although Naeata’s family was following all driving laws, they still got into an accident. Being cautious and alert of other drivers is important because other drivers will not always be driving safely. 

Like when Donald Foster (12) and his dad were rushed to the hospital due to another driver running a red light 

“I was in like seventh grade. We were on a road trip coming back from Cali on a highway that had intersections — like Bangerter. Someone ran a red light, and we hit them,” Foster said. He had to stay at the hospital for observation, and his dad stayed because he broke his ribs, hand, and back. 

Foster was just watching Fortnite videos, and they were suddenly silent and looked surprised. After the impact they hit an orange tree. They were sent to a tiny town hospital but were rejected due to their serious injuries. While they recovered, they would Uber everywhere until the Uber driver eventually became their personal driver after hearing what happened to their car. 

Lani Amaya (10) got in a car accident when she was 6 or 7 years old. Sometimes it’s only the driver that gets into an accident by their own fault. Like in her situation. “We were coming back from the mall, and we both fell asleep. We hit a little hill or bump, and the car started flipping — it flipped three times, and gas was all over the place. Thankfully, only my brother’s toe was hurt,” she said. 

When her mom arrived, Amaya and her brother were asleep on the side of the road and woke up when they got flipped over. At that time her brother had a warrant for his arrest, but he got away with it and never got arrested. 

Obviously, drivers should get their sleep and be fully awake while driving.