Car accidents are one of the main leading causes of teen death in America and as new generations of teenagers start driving, driving risks play a big part in the picture. In recent courses of events, there have been several major car accidents just this past year in Tampa. 

   On the morning of Jan. 19, Plant High School Junior, Carlos Medina got into a fatal car crash, resulting in his passing the next morning due to speeding excessively over the speed limit on Davis Island. He lost control of the wheel and crashed in a nearby tree. Two other tragedies happened just within the past year, both on Bayshore Boulevard. 

   In May of 2019, mother Jessica Reisinger-Raubenolt and her daughter Lilla were killed crossing on Bayshore due to two teenagers racing one another. The other incident occurred just about two weeks ago on the morning of January 9. George Gage III, in his 70s, was on a morning jog and a drunk driver lost control of the wheel and crashed into the victim and the seawall, sending him into the water. Hence all of these brutal accidents there is always a way to prevent them and learn from one’s mistakes for the benefit of the future. 

These horrible incidents exemplify what one easily preventable decision can result in. There are thousands of driving risks such, but here are some of the most important ones:

• Drinking or being under the influence of any drugs
• Technology
• Eating
• Speeding
• Swerving
• Friends posing as a distraction
• Obeying signs and traffic lights

     Technology poses a big risk because as more technological advancements are made and more generations come, they are more exposed and likely to use it. It is extremely important that any new or old driver knows the risk and accountability that comes with being behind the wheel and that it can happen to anyone.